
Class Vri szos 

Book 






CopyrightN 



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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 




SIR WALTER SCOTT 



MAYNAKD'S ENGLISH CLASSIC SERIES.— Nos. 236-237-238 



THE LADY OF THE LAKE 



BY 



SIR WALTER SCOTT, Bart. 



WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES 




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N"EW YORK 
MAYNARD, MERRILL, & CO. 







THE LtBRAFV OF 
CONGRESS. 

Two Copies Receivec 

SEP 2 1903 

Copyright tnt.y 

^LASS CL XXc No 

COPY B. 





Copyright, 1903, 
Bt MAYNAED, MEKKILL, & CO. 



LIFE OF SCOTT 

Walter Scott was bom in Edinburgh on the 15th of 
August, 1771, which was also the birthday of Napoleon 
Bonaparte. His father was a Writer to the Signet, or, 
as we would say, an attorney-at-law ; a law^yer with a large 
practice; an elder in the famous Old Grey Friars Church, 
and a man of integrity, sincerity, and benevolence. Wal- 
ter was the ninth of tw^elve cliildren, of whom the first six 
died young. 

"I was," says Scott in his Autobiography, "an un- 
commonly healthy child . . . until I was about eighteen 
months old. One night, how^ever, I exhibited an intense 
reluctance to be put to bed ; and after liaving been.chased 
around the room, I was wdth difficult}^ consigned to my 
dormitory. It was the last time I was to show such 
personal agility. In the morning I was affected with 
fever; and in the course of three days afterwards it was 
discovered I had lost the power of my right leg." 

The best physicians were consulted, and finally, at 
the advice of his mother's father, Dr. John Rutherford, 
Professor of Medicine in the University of Edinburgh, 
Scott was sent to live at the house of his father's father, 
Robert Scott, a farmer of Sandy-Knowe in Roxburghshire, 
where the shepherd w'ould often take him out and lay him 
down under the rocks beside the sheep. Scott used to say 
in after life that "the habit of lying on the turf there 
among the sheep and the lambs had given his mind a 
3 



4 LIFE OF SCOTT 

peculiar tenderness for these animals, which it had ever 
since retained." The boy never completely recovered 
from his lameness, but his activity among his school- 
fellows was remarkable, and, according to liis own 
account, he was as mischievous as the wildest urchin 
of his acquaintance. 

In his fourth year he was sent to Bath, in the care of 
his aunt, Miss Janet Scott, where he reijnained about a year. 
By this time, he tells us, his health had become much 
improved by the country life prescribed for him by his 
grandfather, although his leg was still shrunken and 
contracted. In a word, he, who in a city would probably 
have been condemned to hopeless invalidism, became 
a healthy, high-spirited, and, except for his lameness, 
a sturdy child. 

While he lived at Bath he learned to read at a day 
school in the neighborhood, and profited much by the 
comj^anionship of his aunt, who read aloud to him old 
English and Scottish ballads until he could repeat long- 
passages by heart. 

From Bath he returned first to Edinburgh, and then 
to Sandy-Knowe ; and when about eight years old he was 
removed to Prestonpans, as it was thought that sea bathing 
might prove beneficial to his lameness. At Prestonpans 
little Walter Scott stayed for some weeks, and here be- 
came great friends with an old military veteran, Dalgetty 
by name, who had pitched his tent, after many campaigns, 
in that little village, where, though called by courtesy a 
captain, he lived upon an ensign's half pay. He was the 
original of Captain Dugald Dalgetty, whom, with his 
redoubtable war horse, Gustavus Adolphus, readers of 
The Legend of Montrose hold in pleasant remembrance. 

From Prestonpans, Scott was taken back to his father's 



LIFE OF SCOTT 5 

house in George's Square, Edinburgh, and, after having 
undergone the usual routine of juvenile instructions, he 
became, in 1779, a pupil in the Edinburgh high school. 
As a scholar he appears to have been by no means vc- 
markable either for proficiency or for diligence; but his 
leisure hours were employed to good advantage in read- 
ing aloud to his mother, who had good natural taste 
and great feeling, and who succeeded in inculcating in 
his opening mind a discriminating love for literature. 

In childhood Scott's hair was light chestnut, turning 
to brown in youth. His mouth was large and good- 
tempered, his eyes light blue, his eyebrows bushy. In 
spite of his lameness, he could climb rocks with the most 
daring, and he soon learned to ride. Out of school he was 
known as a leader in two different accomplishments : he 
could tell his schoolfellow^s stories of wonderful adven- 
tures, which always held their attention ; or he could 
lead them across the difficult path under the Castle to 
attack the boys of the town. 

After a few years in Edinburgh, Scott's health again 
became delicate, and it was thought best that he should 
be sent to live with his aunt at Kelso, which he calls the 
most beautiful, if not the most romantic, village in Scot- 
land. From this time the love of natural beauty became 
with Scott an insatiable passion. 

It was while attending the grammar school at Kelso 
that he became acquainted with James and John Ballan- 
tyne. According to James Ballantyne, Scott was then 
devoted to antiquarian lore, and was certainly the best 
story-teller he ever heard. " In the intervals of school 
hours," says Ballantyne, "it was our constant practice to 
walk together by the banks of the Tweed, and his stories 
appeared to be quite inexhaustible." This friendship 



6 LIFE OF SCOTT 

with the Ballantynes continued through life, John having 
a share in the publication of many of Scott's works, while 
James was the printer of nearly all of them. 

When Scott returned to Edinburgh his acquaintance 
with English literature was greatly extended; he liad 
read much in history, poetry, voyages, and travels, and 
an unusual amount of fairy tales, eastern stories and ro- 
mances ; in short, he had been " driving through a sea of 
books, like a vessel without a pilot or a rudder. " 

After having been two years under the rector of the 
high school, Scott enrolled himself in 1783, for the hu- 
manity or Latin class under Professor Hill in the Uni- 
versity of Edinburgh, and in the Greek class under 
Professor Dalzel; the only other class for which he 
matriculated at the university was that of logic, under 
Professor Bruce, in 1785. All this time he was constantly 
reading. He learned Spanish and read Cervantes; lie 
learned Italian and read Tasso and Ariosto ; he steeped 
his mind in mediaeval romance and legend, and he still 
retained his fondness for the old ballads whose acquaint- 
ance he had first made in company with his Aunt Janet, 
when he was a boy of four years. 

In 1786, how^ever, he was apprenticed to his father for 
five years, in order to be initiated into the dry techni- 
calities of conveyancing, for his father destined him for the 
law. The change was very great ; Scott had the strongest 
aversion to the confinement and the dull routine of the 
office. His desk was usually supplied with a store of 
works of fiction, and the eagerness with which he sought 
out and read everything that had reference to knight- 
errantry would have won the warm sympathy of the In- 
genious Hidalgo, Don Quixote of La Mancha. 

About the second year of his apprenticeship he had the 



LIFE OF SCOTT 7 

misfortune to burst a blood-vessel, and was confined to 
his bed for many weeks. During this time, conversation 
was forbidden, and his only amusements were reading 
and playing chess. In these weeks of enforced idleness 
he added to his readings of poetry and romance the study 
of histoiy, especially as connected with military events, 
and thus collected much material that was of ultimate 
use in the composition of his poems and novels. After 
this illness he enjoyed excellent health, and as his frame 
gradually hardened, he was rather disfigured than dis- 
abled by his lameness. Excursions on foot or on horse- 
back now formed Scott's favorite amusements, and wood, 
water, and wilderness had inexpressible charms for him. 
When he saw an old castle or a battle-field, his imagi- 
nation immediately peopled it with combatants in their 
proper costumes, and his hearers were overwhelmed by 
the enthusiasm of his description. 

In 1791 Scott was admitted a member of the Specula- 
tive Society 1 of the University of Edinburgh, and very 
shortly afterward was appointed its librarian and subse- 
quently its treasurer and secretary. 

The time of Scott's apprenticeship had now elapsed, 
and after some consideration he determined to prepare 
himself for the bar, for which purpose he diligentlv ap- 
plied himself to the study of Roman civil law, as well as 
to the municipal law of Scotland. On the lOth of July, 
1792, when just completing his twenty-first year, he was 
called to the bar as an advocate. 

Lockhart tells us that Scott became a sound lawyer, 

1 For a description of the Speculative Society, or "Spec," 
see Robert Louis Stevenson's delightful essay, A College Maga- 
zine, published in Virginibus Puerisque ; Memories and Por- 
traits, New York, Charles Scribner's Sons. 



8 LIFE OF SCOTT 

and might have been a great one ; Scott's father, on the 
other hand, told him that he was better fitted to be a 
peddler than a lawyer, so fond was he of tramping the 
country in search of noble scenery and historic associa- 
tions. It was on such expeditions that Scott learned to 
know the speech and ways of the peasantry, whom he 
describes so well in his books. In liedgauntlet, one of 
the most interesting of Scott's novels, he gives us, in the 
person of Alan Fairford, a vivid picture of the tastes and 
occupations of this period of his life. The truth is, the 
love for antiquarian lore, which so impressed James Bal- 
lantyne, was still his ruling passion, while his necessities 
were not so great as to make an exclusive application to 
his profession imperative. Although he could speak flu- 
ently at the bar, his mind was not at all of a forensic 
cast, and he was too much the abstract scholar to assume 
readily the mental attitude of an adroit pleader. 

The love of literature was strong in him, and in 1796, 
the year in which Burns died, he made his first appear- 
ance as a writer with a translation of Leuore, and the 
Wild Huntsman, from the German of Burger, which 
met with a favorable reception from a somewhat limited 
public. 

About this time there was widespread indignation in 
Scotland at the hostile menaces of France, and numerous 
bodies of volunteer militia were formed to meet the 
threatened invasion. In the beginning of 1799 a cavalry 
corps was formed under the name of the Royal Mid- 
Lothian Regiment of Cavalry; Scott was appointed its 
adjutant, for which office his lameness was considered no 
bar. He was a very zealous officer, and highly popular 
in the regiment, and he always looked back upon this 
episode in his life with the greatest pleasure. 



LIFE OF SCOTT 9 

In his nineteenth year while still apprenticed to his 
father, Scott fell in love with Margaret, daughter of Sir 
John and Lady Jane Stuart Belches of Ivernary. For 
some reason, most probably the difference in their social 
position, the hope that he might one day marry her was, 
six years later, definitely abandoned. Shortly afterward, 
during a visit to the English lakes, Scott met Miss Mar- 
garet Carpenter, or Charpentier, the daughter of a French 
royalist who had fallen a victim to the excesses of the 
French Revolution. This lady he married on Christmas 
eve, 1797, and her affectionate thoughtf ulness contributed 
much to the happiness of his life. She died in 1826, 
leaving two sons and two daughters, the elder of whom 
married J. G. Lockhart, the translator of the Spanish 
Ballads. 

In 1799 Scott was appointed to the office of Sheriff depute 
of Selkirk, which secured him an annual salary of £300. 
The duties of the office were very slight, and the income 
relieved him from any anxiety as to the chances either of 
his profession or his pen. In 1806 he was appointed one 
of the clerks of session (on the retirement of Mr. Home), 
with the understanding that he should not receive the 
salary (£800 per annum) until after Mr. Home's death, 
which did not take place for more than five years after- 
ward. When Scott obtained this situation, he gave up 
his practice at the bar, and at once decided that literature 
should thereafter form the main business of his life. His 
first real literary success was his Minstrelsy of the Scottish 
Border, published in 1802. To the old ballads, the col- 
lected results of many years of research, Scott added a 
few new ones of his own composition, written in imita- 
tion of the old. The edition was at once exhausted, and 
Scott suddenly found himself famous. 



10 LIFE OF SCOTT 

He was living now in a cottage at Lasswade, on the 
Esk, six miles from Edinburgh. Scott had made the 
dining table with his own hands, and was very proud of 
his various exploits in carpentering. Here he used to sit 
up late, and work far into the morning hours; but this 
gave rise to serious headaches, which induced him to 
change his habits of life. 

In 1804 Scott quitted Lasswade for Ashestiel, in Sel- 
kirkshire, where he lived in a house belonging to his 
cousin. Plere he began his life of sport. He would rise 
at five and work steadily till breakfast ; by noon he had 
finished his day's work, and was ready to ride forth with 
dog and gun or fishing tackle. Salmon spearing by 
torchlight was a favorite amusement with him. His 
dogs and horses he treated as personal friends. On the 
death of his deerhound Samp, he refused an invitation 
to dinner, giving as his reason "the death of an old 
friend." 

In 1805 his first great poem. The Lay of the Last Minstrel, 
was completed, and forty-four thousand copies were sold 
before 1830. For this work Scott received £769, a large 
sum in those days. In 1808 Marmion was published. It 
was the success of the Lay which produced Marmion. It 
is said that Scott received £1000 from his publisher for 
this poem before he had written a line of it. The popu- 
larity of Marmion in turn encouraged him to another 
attempt in the same vein, and in 1810 he published The 
Lady of the Lake. 

Five years earlier he had formed a secret partnership 
with James Ballantyne, already mentioned, and had em- 
barked in the printing business. In order to keep his 
presses supplied with work, he soon after founded, with 
John Ballantyne, a publishing house; neither John Bal- 



LIFE OF SCOTT 11 

lantyne nor Scott was a business man, and the business 
was unprofitable almost from the start. 

Meanwhile he removed to Abbotsford on the Tweed, 
where he bought a hundred acres of land, to wliich prop- 
erty he soon added the adjoining farms. He says, "We 
had twenty -five cartloads of the veriest trash in nature, 
besides dogs, pigs, ponies, poultry, cows, and calves." 
The ruins of Melrose Abbey could be seen from the 
grounds, which had, in fact, once belonged to the abbot. 
Shortly after he was offered the laureateship, an honor 
which he declined. 

Up to this time Scott's literary fame depended entirely 
on his poetry, but in 1814 his first novel, Wacerley, took 
the reading world by storm. The story was published 
anonymously, and for many years the secret of the au- 
thor's identity was preserved. The great publishers of 
London and Edinburgh vied with each other in their 
efforts to buy a share in Waveiiey, and the series of 
novels which followed it. They were finally sold to 
Constable, but by the terms of sale that publisher was 
required to buy at the same time a large part of the stock 
of John Ballantyne & Co., the luckless publishing house 
in which Scott was a shareholder. The purchase of so 
much of the stock of the old concern seriously impaired 
Constable's working capital, and the new firm faced the 
future burdened with debts, largely to the printing-house 
of James Ballantyne & Co., in which business also Scott 
was a stockholder. 

The remarkable success of Waverley was, however, fol- 
lowed by a series of no less remarkable successes. Guy 
Mannering was published in 1815, The Antiquary, The 
Black Dwarf, and Old Mortality in 1816, Rob Roy and 
The Heart of Midlothian in 1818, Tvanhoe in 1820, and 



12 LIFE OF SCOTT 

Kenilworth in 1821, all of which attained a large measure 
of popular favor. 

On the 31st of March, 1820, Scott was created a baronet 
by King George TV. At the time the honor was con- 
ferred the king observed to the poet, " I shall always 
reflect with pleasure on Sir Walter Scott's having been 
the first creation of my reign." Scott had already been 
elected President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and 
seemed almost beyond the reach of adverse fortune. 
Five years later the crash came. In the commercial ex- 
citement of 1825-1826 the house of Constable & Co. was 
declared bankrupt. The printing firm of James Ballan- 
tyne & Co. held Constable's notes for large sums, and 
it soon became necessary for Scott and his partner to 
declare their inability to meet their business obligations. 
In this same year Scott's wife, who had long been an 
invalid, died, and he himself began to fail in health. 

These were blows enough to daunt most men ; perhaps 
the blow to his pride was the heaviest. He says in his 
diary: " 1 felt rather sneaking as I came home from the 
Parliament House — felt as if I were liable monstrari 
digito in no very pleasant way. But this must be borne 
cum cceterls ; and, thank God, however uncomfortable, 
I do not feel despondent." 

No; Scott came of a line of fighting ancestors, and he 
was not one to sit down tamely under difficulties. This 
misfortune was the touchstone of his character, and 
brought out all its beauty and generosity. He might 
have declared himself bankrupt, and have risen again 
with debts partly paid off; but "for this," he says, 
" in a court of honor I should deserve to lose my spurs. 
No; if they permit me, I will be their vassal for life, 
and dig in the mine of my imagination to find dia- 



LIFE OF SCOTT 13 

monds to make good my engagements, not to enrich 
myself." 

As soon as his situation became public, it caused one 
universal burst of sympathy, and incredible offers of 
assistance were made to Scott. When the Earl of Dudley 
heard of his failure, he exclaimed : " Scott ruined ! the 
autlior of Waverley ruined ! Why, let every man to 
whom hfe has given months of delight, give him a six- 
pence, and he will rise to-morrow morning richer than 
a Rothschild." 

Scott's liabilities were about £117,000. Two days after 
the failure he unreservedly assigned the whole of his 
property to his creditors, together with all his future 
labors. He then sat down at fifty-five years of age to 
the task of redeeming this enormous debt. In the first 
place, he sold his furniture and house in Edinburgh, and 
took a humble lodging in a side street. During the 
vacations, when living at Abbotsford, he almost entirely 
gave up seeing company — a resolution the more easily 
carried into effect as Lady Scott was no longer living. 
" I have been rash," he writes in his diary, " in anticipat- 
ing funds to bu}^ land; but then I made from £5000 to 
£10,000 a year, and land was my temptation. I think 
nobody can lose a penny by me, that is one consolation. 
My children are provided for: thank God for that! I 
was to have gone home on Saturday to see my friends. 
My dogs will M^ait for me in vain. It is foolish, but the 
thoughts of parting from these dumb creatures have 
moved me more than any of the painful reflections I have 
put down. Poor things! I must get them kind mas- 
ters." Again he writes in a more cheerful strain : " I 
experience a sort of determined pleasure in confronting 
the very worst aspect of this sudden reverse ; in standing, 



14 LIFE OF SCOTT 

as it were, in the breach that has overthrown my future, 
and saying, ' Here I stand, at least an honest man.' " 

The proceeds of the very first work published after the 
failure, the celebrated novel Woodstock, amounted to 
more than £8000. The next year, 1827, two editions of 
Scott's next work. The Life of Napoleon Buonaparte, pro- 
duced, for the benefit of the creditors, the then unprece- 
dented sum of £18,000. 

These sums, together with the money received from 
other publications, enabled Scott's trustees to distribute 
among his creditors six shillings in the pound on their 
whole claim, before Christmas, 1827, nearly £40,000 
having been realized by the exertions of two years. Be- 
fore the close of 1830 Scott's debt had been reduced to 
about £51,000. 

In December, 1830, it was unanimously agreed, "That 
Sir Walter Scott be requested to accept his furniture, 
plate, paintings, library, and curiosities of every descrip- 
tion, as the best means the creditors have of expressing 
their very high sense of his most honorable conduct, and 
in grateful acknowledgment for the unparalleled and 
most successful exertions he has made, and continues to 
make, for them." This generous gift was worth at least 
£10,000, and it enabled him (to use nearly his own 
words) to eat with his own spoons and to study with his 
own books. 

When Scott died, his trustees had an undistributed 
balance on hand, which, with his life insurance, and the 
money realized by the sale of his copyrights, was suffi- 
cient to pay off all his debts. 

In the winter of 1830 it became apparent to Scott's 
friends that his mind had lost something, and was daily 
losing something of its wonted energy. "1 have lost," 



LIFE OF SCOTT 15 

he said, "the power of interesting the coui-itrj^ and oivghit 
in justice to all parties to retire while I have some 
credit." Before the close of the year he w^as attacked with 
apoplexy, and a consultation of physicians was held. 
They told him that if he persisted in working his brain, 
nothing could prevent another and more serious attack. 
His first reply was : " As for telling me not to work, Molly 
might as well put the kettle on the fire and say, ' Now, 
don't boil,' " but in a few months he put himself unre- 
servedly in the hands of the doctors, and agreed to spend 
the ensuing winter in a warmer climate. 

In October, 1831, Scott left London for Portsmouth, 
whence he sailed for Malta. In December he went to 
Naples, where he remained some months, and thence to 
Rome, where he was received with the greatest enthu- 
siasm. On the 16th of May he left Rome, and crossing 
the Apennines, went to Venice. From Venice he went to 
Frankfort, where he took the Rhine steamboat. Coming- 
down the Rhine he had another attack of apoplexy, this 
time combined with paralysis ; he, however, reached 
London on the loth of June, and was immediately put to 
bed. His great anxiety was that he might reach Abbots- 
ford before he died, and at length his medical attendants 
consented to his removal to Scotland ; on the 7th of July 
everything was prepared for his journey by the steamship. 
He became unconscious on the boat, and remained so 
until he came within sight of the towers of Abbotsford. 
When he reached his home, " his dogs assembled about 
him, began to fawn upon him, and to lick his hands, and 
he alternately sobbed and smiled over them until sleep 
oppressed him." For four or five days after his arrival 
he was daily wheeled about the house and the garden, 
but on the 16th he was much feebler and remained in 



16 LIFE OF SCOTT 

bed; the next day he asked to be placed at his desk, but 
"when the pen was put into his hand, he was unable to close 
his fingers upon it, and it dropped upon the paper. The 
tears sprang to his eyes, but his old pride asserted itself. 
" Friends," he said, " don't let me expose myself; get me 
to bed." He Avas carried to bed, where he lay uncon- 
scious for several days. Returning to consciousness, he 
asked to see Lockhart, his son-in-law and afterward his 
biographer. " Lockhart," he said, " I may have but a 
minute to speak to you. My dear, be a good man — 
be virtuous — be religious — be a good man. Nothing 
else will give you any comfort when you come to lie here." 
He paused ; Lockhart said, " Shall I send for Sophia and 
Anne?" — "No," said he, "don't disturb them. Poor 
souls ! I know they were up all night. God bless you 
all ! " With this he sank into a very tranquil sleep, and 
indeed he scarcely afterward gave any sign of conscious- 
ness. He died September 26, 1832, in the second month of 
his sixty-second year. About seven years before he had 
written in his diary : " Square the odds and good-night, 
Sir Walter, about sixty. 1 care not, if I leave my name 
unstained, and my family property settled. Sat est 



INTRODUCTION 

The Lady of the Lake was published in May, 1810. Its 
success was even greater than that of The Lay of the Last 
Minstrel and Marmlon, eight editions, aggregating twenty 
thousand copies, having been sold before the end of the 
year. Mr. Cadell, the publisher, said : *' The whole 
country rang with the praises of the poet; crowds set 
off to view the scenery of Loch Katrine, till then com- 
paratively unknown ; and as the book came out just 
before the seasons for excursions, every house and inn 
in that neighborhood was crowded with a constant suc- 
cession of visitors." The popular verdict on Scott's 
three greatest poems was thus expressed by Lockhart, 
" The Lay, if I may venture to state the creed now estab- 
lished, is, I should say, generally considered as the most 
natural and original ; Marnuon, as the most powerful and 
splendid; The Lady of the Lake, as the most.hiteresting, 
romantic, picturesque, and graceful " ; and Jeffrey pre- 
dicted that the last would be " oftener read hereafter than 
either of the former." 

The Lady of the Lake, like The Lay of the Last Minstrel 
and Marmion, is written in the romantic measure of 
English poetry called iambic tetrameter, arranged in 
rhymed couplets, and variously combined with trimeters. 
The normal verse is of four feet, each consisting of an 
accented followed by an unaccented syllable. The rhythm 
of the poem was inspired principally by Coleridge's 
17 



1^ INTRODUCTION 

Christahel, which was read to Scott by a mutual friend 
while it was yet in manuscript. Christahel is written in 
a meter which, Coleridge says in his Preface, " is not, 
properly speaking, irregular, though it may seem so from 
its being founded on a new principle, namely, that of 
counting in each line the accents, not the syllables. 
Though the latter may vary from seven to twelve, yet 
in each line the accents will be found to be only four. 
Nevertheless, this occasional variation in the number of 
syllables is not introduced wantonly, or for the mere 
ends of convenience, but in correspondence with some 
transition in the nature of the imagery or passion." 
Scott adopted a modification of this principle. 

The defects of The Lady of the Lake, as a work of art, 
are manifest. The style is in many places rough and 
unpolished. Scott wrote at a high rate of speed, and 
though his language always flows easily on, the words 
are not invariably well chosen. Scott had little natural 
ear for music, and was not fastidious as to the harmony 
of his verse. " I am sensible," he said, " that if there be 
anything good about my poetry, it is a hurried frankness 
of composition which pleases soldiers, sailors, and young 
people of bold and active disposition." This "hurried 
frankness" is no doubt responsible for other defects in 
versification. Unlike Coleridge, Scott may have con- 
sidered " the mere ends of convenience ""; hence the 
occurrence of faulty rhymes, of the same words over and 
over again at the end of the lines, of instances of incon- 
sistency in the sequence of tenses. What Scott said of 
the composition of The Lay of the Last Minstrel, in ex- 
plaining the rapidity with which that poem was com- 
pleted, is equally applicable to the composition of the 
present poem : " There was little occasion for pause or 



INTRODUCTION 19 

hesitation, when a troublesome rhyme might be accom- 
modated by an alteration of the stanza, or when an 
incorrect measure might be remedied by a variation of 
the rhyme." 

Scott has vindicated the meter of his tales as preferable 
to Pope's couplet, though surely in the case of a romance 
which was a development of the ballad, the vindication 
was needless. His meter is the true English counterpart, 
if there be one, of Homer. And Scott is essentially a 
ballad writer. Ballad poetry was in literature his first 
love — the spring at which he drank his earliest inspira- 
tion. Each of his greater poems is formed of ballad 
elements. He himself acknowledged this when he de- 
scribed his earliest considerable poem as, in style and 
form, a revival of minstrel craft. The great charms of 
Scott's poetry are simply the characteristics of the old 
ballads, refined by the influence of modern art and higher 
culture. Nari-ative in form and simple in style and lan- 
guage, his poems appeal to the sympathies and the state 
of knowledge of the mass of the people. They subject the 
intellect to no violent strain. They are entirely free from 
subtleties of thought — from intricate subjectivities, re- 
mote allusions, and hidden meanings. Their crowning 
glory is that they are genuine transcripts of nature. 

True to his character as a ballad poet, Scott makes 
large use of the supernatural element. The Augury of 
the Taghairm, or Oracle of the Hide, in the present poem, 
the legend of Gilpin Horner in The Lay of the Last 
Minstrel,, and the host's tale of the Elfin Warrior and the 
apparitions at the City Cross in Marrnion are due to the 
fondness for the purely romantic and supernatural aspects 
of the ballad which led Scott to translate Biirger's Lenore 
and Wild Huntsman. 



20 INTRODUCTION 

In this respect Scott bore the impress of his poetical 
truth ; for he is reported to have said of the translation 
of Lenore by William Taylor : " This was what made me 
a poet. I had several times attempted the more regular 
kinds of poetry without success; but here was something 
that 1 thought I could do." And accordingly his own 
translation of that ballad was one of his earliest poetical 
efforts. But in his larger poems, with the possible ex- 
ception of The Lay, Scott with the artist's histinct keeps 
the supernatural element duly subordinate to their pri- 
mary characteristics — narration and description. 

The text of this edition is that of Black's Author's 
Edition, with Rolfe's corrections. 



CRITICAL OPINIONS 

Surely since Shakespeare's time there has been no great- 
speaker so unconscious of an aim as Sir Walter Scott. — 
Thomas Ccuiyle. 

He saw life, and told the world what he saw. Has 
any writer since his time supplied it with a fuller, fairer 
vision? His very style, loose and rambling as it is, is a 
part of the man, and of the artistic effect he produces. 
The full vigor and ease with which his imagination plays 
on life is often suggested by his pleonasms and tautolo- 
gies ; the search for the single final epithet is no part of 
his method, for he delights in the telling, and is sorry 
when all is told. — Walter Kaleigh. 

Poetry is consistent with perfect tranquillity of spirit; 
a true poem may have the calm of a summer day, the 
placidity of a mountain lake ; but eloquence is a torrent. 
a tempest, a mass in motion, an army with banners, the 
burst of a hundred instruments of music. Scotfs highest 
excellence as a poet is his eloquence. — John Burroughs. 

In Scott's narrative poems the scenery is accessory and 
subordinate. It is a picturesque background to his fig- 
ures, a landscape through which the action rushes like a 
torrent, catching a hint of color perhaps from rock or 
tree, but never any image so distinct that it tempts 
us aside to reverie or meditation. — James Russell Lowell. 
21 



22 CRITICAL OPINIONS 

Walter Scott is a great genius — he has not his equal — 
and we need not wonder at the extraordinary effect he 
has produced on the reading world. He gives me much 
to think of, and I discover in him a wholly new art, with 
laws of its own. — Goethe. 

If there were, or could be, any man w^hom it would not 
be a monstrous absurdity to compare with Shakespeare 
as a creator of men and inventor of circumstance, that 
man could be none other than Scott. Greater poems 
than his have been written, and, to my mind, one or 
two novels better than his best ; but when one considers 
the huge mass of his work, and its quality in the mass, 
the vast range of his genius, and its command over that 
range, who shall be compared with him? — A. C. Swin- 
burne. 

Walter Scott is out and away the king of the romantic?;. 
The Lndij of the Lake has no indisputable claim to be a 
poem beyond the inherent fitness and desirability of the 
tale. It is just such a story as a man would make ii]> 
for himself, walking, in the best of health and temper, 
through just such scenes as it is laid in. Hence it is that 
a charm dwells undefinable among these slovenly verses 
as the unseen cuckoo fills the mountains with his note ; 
hence, even after we have flung the book aside, the 
scenery and adventures remain present to the mind, a 
new and green possession, not unworthy of that beautiful 
name, The Tjodt/ of the Lake, or the direct romantic open- 
ing, — one of the most spirited and poetical in literature, 
— " The stag at eve had drunk his fill." — Robert Louis 
Stevenson. 

He is not a reflective poet, straining his sight to behold 
what is hidden from men, and laboring to discover the 



CRITICAL OPINIONS 23 

secret springs of human thought, character, and conduct. 
No man is less speculative. He is content with broad, 
obvious surfaces, colors, sounds. He gives us no deep 
thoughts, few really magical cadences, no trimmed and 
polished art. He is at the opposite pole from Virgil, but 
he is, except in his lack of reflection, very closely akin to 
a greater than Virgil, to Homer. He is, and he is likely 
to remain, the Latest Minstrel, the last voice of the Old 
World; akin to Homer, and more akin to Homer's bards, 
Phemius and Demodocus. The deeds, not the thoughts, 
of men are his matter ; passion expressed in action, not 
passions analyzed in the poetic laboratory. So potent 
was his genius, so inspiring the martial tramp and clang 
of his measures, that he made the New World listen to 
the accents of the Old. — Andrew Lang. 

If Byron and Scott could have been combined, — if the 
energetic passions of the one could have been joined to 
the healthy nature and quick sympathies of the other, — 
we might have seen another Shakespeare in the nineteenth 
century. — Leslie Stephen. 

Probably no author of the highest mark has been so 
little conscious of his greatness as Scott. His amazing 
success left the manly simplicity of his nature untouched. 
His warmth of affection for homely folk, his pleasures 
and his duties, his gentleness and his courtesy, — he was 
a gentleman, it was said, even to his dogs, — were un- 
affected by the popularity that made his name everywhere 
familiar. Whatever was lovely and of good report was 
loved by him, and the stamp of a healthy nature is left 
upon all that he has written. — John Dennis. 

Far-seeing toleration, profound reverence, a critical 
insight into the various shades of thought and feeling, a 



24 CRITICAL OPINIONS 

moderation which turns to scorn the falsehood of ex- 
tremes, a lofty sense of Christian honor, purity, and 
justice, breathe through every volume of the romances 
of Walter Scott. — Dean Stanley. 

His poems are historical narrations, true in all things 
to the spirit of history, but everywhere overspread with 
those bright and breathing colors which only genius can 
bestow on reality; and when it is remembered that the 
times in wliich the scenes are laid and his heroes act are 
distinguished by many of the most energetic virtues that 
can grace or dignify the character of a free people, and 
marked by the operation of great passions and important 
events, every one must feel that the poetry of Sir Walter 
Scott is, in the noblest sense of the word, national; that 
it breathes upon us the bold and heroic spirit of perturbed 
and magnificent ages, and connects us, in the midst of 
philosophy, science, and refinement, with our turbulent 
but high-minded ancestors, of whom we have no cause 
to be ashamed, whether looked at in the fields of war or 
in the halls of peace. He is a true knight in all things 
— free, courteous, and brave. War, as he describes it, 
is a noble game, a kingly pastime. He is the greatest 
of all war poets. His poetry might make a very coward 
fearless. — William Cullen Bryant. 



HISTORICAL BASIS OF THE POEM 

The following paragraphs are taken from Scott's Tales 
of a Grandfather : 

I. Highlanders and Borderers. — There were two 
great divisions of the country, the Highlands namely, and 
the Borders, which were so ranch wilder and more barba- 
rous than the others, that they might be said to be alto- 
gether without law ; and although they were nominally 
subjected to the king of Scotland, yet when he desired 
to execute any justice in those great districts, he could 
not do so otherwise than by marching there in person, at 
the head of a strong body of forces, and seizing upon the 
offenders, and putting them to death with little or no form 
of trial. Such a rough course of justice, perhaps, made 
these disorderly countries quiet for a short time, but it 
rendered them still more averse to the royal government 
in their hearts, and disposed on the slightest occasion to 
break out, either into disorders amongst themselves, or 
into open rebellion. I must give you some more par- 
ticular account of these wild and uncivilized districts of 
Scotland, and of the particular sort of people who were 
their inhabitants, that you may know what I mean when 
I speak of Highlanders and Borderers. 

The Highlands of Scotland, so called from the rocky 
and mountainous character of the country, consist of a 
very large proportion of the northern parts of that king- 
dom. It was into these pathless wildernesses that the 
26 



26 HISTORICAL BASIS OF THE FOEM 

Romans drove the ancient inhabitants of Great Britain ; 
and it was from these that they afterward sallied to in- 
vade and distress that part of Britain which the Romans 
had conquered, and in some degree civilized. The in- 
habitants of the Highlands spoke, and still speak, a lan- 
guage totally different from the Lowland Scots. That 
last language does not greatly differ from English, and 
the inhabitants of both countries easily understand each 
other, though neither of them comprehend the Gaelic, 
which is the language of the Highlanders. The dress of 
these mountaineers was also different from that of the 
Lowlanders. They wore a plaid, or mantle of frieze, or 
of striped stuff called tartan, one end of which being 
wrapped round the waist, formed a short petticoat, which 
descended to the knee, while the rest was folded round 
them like a sort of cloak. They had buskins made of 
raw hide ; and those who could get a bonnet, had that 
covering for their heads, though many never wore one 
during their whole lives, but had only their own shaggy 
hair tied back by a leathern strap. They went always 
armed, carrying bows and arrows, large swords, which 
they wielded with both hands, called claymores, pole- 
axes, and daggers for close fight. For defense, they had 
a round wooden shield, or target, stuck full of nails ; and 
their great men had shirts of mail, not unlike to the 
flannel shirts now worn, only composed of links of iron, 
instead of threads of worsted ; but the common men were 
so far from desiring armor, that they sometimes threw 
their plaids away, and fought in their shirts, which they 
wore very long and large, after the Irish fashion. 

This part of the Scottish nation was divided into clans, 
that is, tribes. The persons composing each of these 
clans believed themselves all to be descended, at some 



HISTORICAL BASIS OF THE POEM 27 

distant period, from the same common ancestor, whose 
name they usually bore. Thus, one tribe was called 
MacDonald, which signifies the sons of Donald ; another 
MacGregor, or the sons of Gregor; MacNeil, the sons of 
Neil, and so on. Every one of these tribes had its own 
separate chief, or commander, whom they supposed to be 
the immediate representative of the great father of the 
tribe frOm whom they were all descended. To this chief 
they paid the most unlimited obedience, and willingly 
followed his commands in peace or war; not caring al- 
though, in doing so, they transgressed the laws of the 
king, or went into rebellion against the king himself. 
Each tribe lived in a valley, or district of the mountains, 
separated from the others ; and they often made war upon 
and fought desperately with each other. But with Low- 
landers they were always at war. They differed from 
them in language, in dress, and in manners; and they 
believed that the richer ^'rounds of the low country had 
formerly belonged to their ancestors, and therefore they 
made incursions upon it, and plundered it without mercy. 
The Lowlanders, on the other hand, equal in courage and 
superior in discipline, gave many severe checks to the 
Highlanders; and thus there was almost constant war 
or discord between them, though natives of the same 
country. 

Some of the most powerful of the Highland chiefs set 
themselves up as independent sovereigns. Such were the 
famous Lords of the Isles, called MacDonald, to w^hom 
the island, called the Hebrides, lying on the northwest 
of Scotland, might be said to belong in property. These 
petty sovereigns made alliances with the English in their 
own name. They took the part of Robert the Bruce in 
the wars, and joined him with their forces. We shall 



28 HISTORICAL BASIS OF THE POEM 

find that, after his time, they gave great disturbance to 
Scotland. The Lords of Lorn, MacUouglas by name, 
were also extremely powerful; and you have seen that 
they were able to give battle to Bruce, and to defeat him 
and place him in the greatest jeopardy. He revenged 
himself afterward by driving John of Lorn out of the 
country, and by giving great part of his possessions to 
his own nephew. Sir Colin Campbell, who became the 
first of the great family of Argyll, which, afterward 
enjoyed such power in the Highlands. 

Upon the w'hole, you can easily understand that these 
Highland clans, living among such high and inaccessible 
mountains, and paying obedience to no one save their 
own chiefs, should have been instrumental in disturbing 
the tranquillity of the kingdom of Scotland. They had 
many virtues, being a kind, brave, and hospitable j)eople, 
and remarkable for their fidelity to their chiefs ; but they 
were restless, revengeful, fond of plunder, and delighting 
rather in war than in peace, and disorder than in repose. 

The Border counties were in a state little more favor- 
able to a quiet or peaceful government. In some respects 
the inhabitants of the counties of Scotland lying opposite 
to England greatly resembled the Highlanders, and par- 
ticularly in their being, like them, divided into clans, 
and having chiefs, whom they obeyed in preference to 
the king, or the officers whom he placed among them. 
How clanship came to pievail in the Highlands and 
Borders, and not in the provinces which separated them 
from each other, it is not easy to conjecture, but the fact 
was so. The Borders are not, indeed, so mountainous 
and inaccessible a country as the Highlands; but they 
also are full of hills, especially on the more western part 
of the frontier, and were in early times covered with 



HISTORICAL BASIS OF THE POEM 29 

forests, and divided by small rivers and morasses, into 
dales and valleys, where the different clans lived, milking 
war sometimes on the English, sometimes on each other, 
and sometimes on the more civilized country which lay 
behind them. 

But though the Borderers resembled the Highlanders 
in their mode of government and habits of plundering, 
and, as it may be truly added, in their disobedience to 
the general government of Scotland, yet they dilfered in 
many particulars. The Highlanders fought always on 
foot, the Borderers were all horsemen. The Borderers 
spoke the same language with the Lowlanders, wore tlie 
same sort of dress, and carried the same arms. Being- 
accustomed to fight against the English, they were also 
much better disciplined than the Highlanders. But in 
point of obedience to the Scottish government, they were 
not much different from the clans of the north. 

II. James Y. of Scotland. — James V. displayed 
most of the qualities of a wise and good prince. He was 
handsome in his person, and resembled his father in the 
fondness for military exercises, and the spirit of chival- 
rous honor which James IV. loved to display. He also 
inherited his father's love of justice, and his desire to 
establish and enforce wise and equal laws, which should 
protect the weak against the oppression of the great. It 
was easy to make laws, but to put them in vigorous exer- 
cise was of much greater difficulty ; and in his attempt 
to accomplish this laudable purpose, James of ten incurred 
the ill will of the more powerful nobles. He was a well- 
educated and accomplished man ; and like his ancestor, 
James I., was a poet and a musician. He had, however, 
his defects. He avoided his father's failing of profusion, 
having no hoarded treasures to employ on pomp and 



30 HISTORICAL BASIS OF THE POEM 

show; but he rather fell into the opposite fault, being of 
a temper too parsimonious; and thougli he loved state 
and display, he endeavored to gratify that taste as eco- 
nomically as possible, so that he has been censured as 
rather close and covetous. Me was also, though the 
foibles seem inconsistent, fond of pleasure, and disposed 
to too much indulgence. It must be added, that when 
provoked, he was unrelenting even to cruelty; for which 
he had some apology, considering the ferocity (-f the 
subjects over whom he reigned. Uiit, on the whole, 
James Y. was an amiable man and a good sovereign. 

His first care was to bring the Borders of Scotland to 
some degree of order. These, as you were formerly told, 
were inhabited by tribes of men, forming each a different 
clan, as they were called, and obeying no orders save 
those which were given by their chiefs. These chiefs were 
supposed to represent the first founder of the name, or 
family. The attachment of the clansmen to the chief 
was very great : indeed, they paid respect to no one else. 
In this the Borderers agreed with the Highlanders, as 
also in their love of plunder and neglect of the general 
laws of the country. But the Border men wore no tartan 
dress, and served pJmost always on horseback, whereas 
the Highlanders acted always on foot. You will also 
remember that the Borderers spoke the Scottish language, 
and not the Gaelic tongue used by tlie mountaineers. 

The situation of these clans on the frontiers exposed 
t hem to constant war ; so that they thought of nothing 
else but of collecting bands of their followers together, 
and making incursions, without much distinction, on the 
English, on the Lowland (or inland) Scots, or upon each 
other. They paid little respect either to times of truce 
or treaties of peace, but exercised their depredations 



HISTORICAL BASIS OF THE POEM 31 

without regard to either, and often occasioned wars be- 
twixt England and Scotland which would not otherwise 
have taken place. As their insolence had risen to a high 
pitch after the field of Flodden had thrown the country 
into confusion, James V. resolved to take very severe 
measures against them. 

His first step was to secure the persons of the principal 
chieftains by whom these disorders were privately en- 
couraged. The Earl of Bothwell, the Lord Home, Lord 
Maxwell, Scott of Buccleuch, Ker of Fairniehirst, and 
other powerful chiefs, who might have opposed the 
king's purposes, were seized, and imprisoned in separate 
fortresses in the inland country. 

James then assembled an army, in which warlike pur- 
poses were united with those of sylvan sport ; for he 
ordered all the gentlemen in the wild districts which he 
intended to visit to bring their best dogs, as if his only 
purpose had been to hunt the deer in those desolate 
regions. This was to prevent the Borderers from taking 
the alarm, in which case they would have retreated into 
their mountains and fastnesses, from whence it would 
have been difficult to dislodge them. 

These men had indeed no distinct idea of the offences 
which they had committed, and consequently no apprehen- 
sion of the king's displeasure against them. The laws 
had been so long silent in that remote and disorderly 
country, that the outrages which were practiced by the 
strong against the weak seemed to the perpetrators the 
natural course of society, and to present nothing that 
was worthy of punishment. 

Thus, as the king in the beginning of his expedition 
suddenly approached the castle of Piers Cockburn of 
Henderland. that baron was in the act of providing a 



32 HISTORICAL BASIS OF THE POEM 

great entertainment to welcome him, when James caused 
him to be suddenly seized on and executed. Adam Scott 
of Tushielaw, called the King of the Border, met the 
same fate. 

In the like manner James proceeded against the High- 
land chiefs ; and by executions, forfeitures, and other 
severe measures he brought tlie northern mountaineers, 
as he had already done those of the south, into compara- 
tive subjection. He then set at liberty the Border chiefs, 
and others whom he had imprisoned, lest they should 
have offered any hindrance to the couisc: of his justice. 

James was very fond of hunting, and wlicn lie pursued 
that amusement in the Higlilands he used to wear the 
peculiar dress of that country, having a long and wide 
Highland shirt and a jacket of Tartan velvet, with plaid 
hose, and everything else corresponding. The accounts 
for these are in the books of his chamberlain, still pre- 
served. 

Tlie reign of James Y. was not alone distinguished by 
his personal adventures and pastimes, but is honorably 
remembered on account of wise laws made for the gov- 
ernment of his people, and for restraining the crimes and 
violence which were frequently practiced among them; 
especially those of assassination, burning of houses, and 
driving of cattle — the usual and ready means by Mhich 
powerful chiefs avenged themselves of their feudal 
enemies. 



AUTHOR'S PREFACE 

After the success of Marmion, I felt inclined to ex- 
claim with Ulysses in the Odyssey : 

"One venturous game my hand has won to-day — 
Another, gallants, yet remains to play." 

The ancient manners, the habits and customs of the 
aboriginal race by whom the Highlands of Scotland were 
inhabited, had always appeared to me peculiarly adapted 
to poetry. The change in their manners, too, had taken 
place almost within my own time, or at least I had learned 
many particulars concerning the ancient state of the 
Highlands from the old men of the last generation. 1 
had always thought the old Scottish Gael highly adapted 
for poetical composition. The feuds and political dis- 
cussions which, half a century earlier, would have ren- 
dered the richer and wealthier part of the kingdom 
indisposed to countenance a poem, the scene of which 
was laid in the Highlands, were now sunk in the gener- 
ous compassion which the English, more than any other 
nation, feel for the misfortunes of an honorable foe. The 
l^oems of Ossian had, by their popularity, sufficiently shown 
that if writings on Highland subjects were qualified to 
interest the reader, mere national prejudices were, in the 
present day, very unlikely to interfere with their success. 

I had also read a great deal, seen much, and heard 
more of that romantic country where I was in the habit 
of spending some time every autumn j and the scenery 
33 



34 A U THO R^S FEE FA CE 

of Loch Katrine was connected with the recollection of 
many a dear friend and merry expedition of former days. 
This poem, the action of which lay among scenes so 
beautiful and so deeply imprinted on my recollections, 
was a labor of love, and it was no less so to recall the 
manners and incidents introduced. The frequent custom 
of James IV., and particularly of James V., to walk 
through their kingdom in disguise, afforded me the hint 
of an incident which never fails t(^ bs interesting if man- 
aged with the slightest address or dexterity. 

I may now confess, however, thai the employment, 
though attended with great plea'^aii-e, was not without its 
doubts and anxieties. A lady- to whom I was nearly re- 
lated, and with whom I lived, during her whole life, on 
the most brotherly terms of affection, was residing with 
me at the time when the work was in progress, and used 
to ask me what I could possibly do to rise so early in the 
morning (that happening to be the most convenient to 
me for composition). At last I told her the subject of 
my meditations ; and I can never forget the anxiety and 
affection expressed in her reply. "Do not be so rash," 
she said, " my dearest cousin. You are already pojjular — 
more so, perhaps, than you yourself will believe, or than 
even I, or other partial friends, can fairly allow to your 
merit. You stand high — do not rashly attempt to climb 
higher, and incur the risk of a fall; for, depend upon it, 
a favorite will not be permitted even to stumble with 
impunity." I replied to this affectionate expostulation 
in the words of Montrose : 

" He either fears his fate too much, 
Or his deserts are small. 
Who dares not put it to the toucli 
To gain or lose it all." 



AUTHOR'S PREFACE 35 

" If I fail, " I said, for the dialogue is strong in my 
recollection, "it is a sign that I ought never to have suc- 
ceeded, and I will write prose for life : you shall see no 
change in my temper, nor will I eat a single meal the 
worse. But if I succeed, 

" ' Up with the bonnie blue bonnet, 
The dirk, and the feather, and a' ! ' " 

Afterward I showed my affectionate and anxious critic 
the first canto of the poem, which reconciled her to my 
imprudence. Nevertheless, although I answered thus 
confidently, with the obstinacy often said to be proper to 
those who bear my surname, I acknowledge that my con- 
fidence was considerably shaken by the warning of her 
excellent taste and unbiased friendship. Nor was 1 
much comforted by her retraction of the unfavorable 
judgment, when I recollected how likely a natural parti- 
ality was to effect that change of opinion. In such cases, 
affection rises like a light on the canvas, improves any 
favorable tints which it formerly exhibited, and throws 
its defects into the shade. 

I remember that about the same time a friend started 
in to "heeze up my hope," like the "sportsman with his 
cutty gun," in the old song. He was bred a farmer, but 
a man of powerful understanding, natural good taste, and 
warm poetical feeling, perfectly competent to supply the 
wants of an imperfect or irregular education. He was 
a passionate admirer of field sports, which we often pur- 
sued together. 

As this friend happened to dine with me at Ashestiel 
one day, I took the opportunity of reading to him the 
first canto of The Lady of the Lake, in order to ascer- 
tain the effect the poem was likely to produce upon a 



36 AUTHOR'S PREFACE 

person who was but too favorable a representative of 
readers at large. It is, of course, to be supposed, that I 
determined i-ather to guide my opinion b}- what my friend 
might appear to feel, than by what he might think fit to 
say. His reception of my recitation, or prelection, was 
rather singular, lie placed his hand across his brow, and 
listened with great attention through the whole account 
of the stag hunt, till the dogs threw themselves into the 
lake to follow their master, who embarks with Ellen 
Douglas. He then started up u ith a sudden exclama- 
tion, struck his hand on the table, and declared, in a 
voice of censure calculated for the occasion, that the dogs 
must have been totally ruined by being permitted to take 
the water after such a severe chase. I own I was much 
encouraged by the species of reverie which had possessed 
so zealous a follower of the sports of the ancient Nimrod, 
who had been completely surprised out of all doubts of 
the reality of the tale. Another of his remarks gave me 
less pleasure. He detected the identity of the king with 
the wandering knight, Fitz-James, when he winds his 
bugle to summon his attendants. He was probably 
thinking of the lively, but somewhat licentious, old 
ballad, in v/hich the denouement of a royal intrigue 
takes place as follows : 

" He took a bugle frae his side, 
He blew both loud and shrill, 
And four-and-twenty belted knights 

Came skipping ower the hill ; 
Then he took out a little knife, 

Let a' his duddies fa', 
And he was the brawest gentleman, 
That was araang them a'. 
And we'll go no more a-roving," etc. 



AUTHOR'S PHEFAC^: 37 

This discovery, as Mr. Pepys says of the rent in his 
camlet cloak, was but a trifle, yet it troubled me ; and I 
was at a good deal of pains to efface any marks by which 
I thought my secret could be traced before the conclu- 
sion, when I relied on it with the same hope of producing 
effect, with which the Irish postboy is said to reserve a 
" trot for the avenue." 

I took uncommon pains to verify the accuracy of the 
local circumstances of this story. I recollect in particu- 
lar, that to ascertain whether I was telling a probable 
tale, I went into Perthshire to see whether King James 
could actually have ridden from the banks of Loch Ven- 
nachar to Stirling Castle within the time supposed in the 
poem, and had the pleasure to satisfy myself that it was 
quite practicable. 

After considerable delay, The Ladj/ of the Lake 
appeared in June, 1810 ; and its success was certainly so 
extraordinary as to induce me for the moment to con- 
clude that I had at last fixed a nail in the proverbially 
inconstant wheel of fortune, whose stability in behalf of 
an individual who had so boldly courted her favors for 
three successive times had not as 5'et been shaken. I 
had attained, perhaps, that degree of reputation at which 
prudence, or certainly timidity, would have made a halt, 
and discontinued efforts by which I was far more likely 
to diminish my fame than to increase it. But, as the 
celebrated John Wilkes is said to have explained to his 
late Majesty, that he himself, amid his full tide of popu- 
larity, was never a Wilkite, so I can, with honest truth, 
exculpate myself from having been at any time a partisan 
of my own poetry, even when it was in the highest fashion 
with the million. It must not be supposed that I was 
either so ungrateful, or so superabundantly candid, as to 



38 AUTHOR^ S PBEFACK 

despise or scorn the value of those whose voice had ele- 
vated me so much higher than my opinion told me I dc- 
seived. I felt, on the contrary, the more grateful to tli*- 
public, as receiving that from partiality to me, which I 
could not have claimed from merit ; and I endeavored 
to deserve the partiality by continuing such exertions as 
I was capable of for their amusement. 

It may be that I did not, in this continued course of 
scribbling, consult either the interest of the public or uiy 
own. But the former had effectual means of defending 
themselves, and could, by their coldness, sufficiently check 
any approach to intrusion ; but, for myself, I had now 
for several years dedicated my hours so much to literary 
labor that I should have felt difficulty in employing my- 
self otherwise; and so, like Dogberry, 1 generously be- 
stowed all my tediousness on the public, comforting 
myself with the reflection, that if posterity should think 
me undeserving of the favor with which I was regarded 
by my contemporaries, " they could not but say I had the 
crown," and had enjoyed for a time that popularity 
which is so much coveted. 

I conceived, however, that I held the distinguished 
situation I had obtained, however unworthily, rather 
like the champion of pugilism ^ on the condition of being 
always ready to show proofs of my skill, than in the 
manner of the champion of chivalry, who performs his 
duties only on rare and solemn occasions. I was in any 
case conscious that I could not long hold a situation 

1 ** In twice five years the greatest living poet, 
Like to the champion in the fisty ring, 
Is called on to support his claim, or show it, 
Although 'tis an imaginary thing," etc. 

— Don Juan, Canto IX. Stanza 55. 



AUTHOR'' S PREFACE 39 

which the caprice, rather than the judgment, of the pub- 
lic, had bestowed upon me, and preferred being deprived 
of my precedence by some more worthy rival, to sinking 
into contempt for my indolence, and losing my reputation 
by what Scottish lawyers call the negatice prescription. 
Accordingly, those who choose to look at the Inti-od action 
to Rokeby will be able to trace the steps by which I de- 
clined as a poet to figure as a novelist ; as the ballad 
says, " Queen Eleanor sunk at Charing Cross to rise again 
at Queenhithe." 

It only remains for me to say, that, during my short 
preeminence of popularity, I faithfully observed the rules 
of moderation which I had resolved to follow before I 
began my course as a man of letters. If a man is deter- 
mined to make a noise in the world, he is as sure to 
encounter abuse and ridicule; as he who gallops furiously 
through a village must reckon on being followed by the 
curs in full cry. Experienced persons know, that in 
stretching to flog the latter, the rider is very apt to catch 
a bad fall; nor is an attempt to chastise a malignant 
critic attended with less danger to the author. On this 
principle, I let parody, burlesque, and squibs find their 
own level ; and while the latter hissed most fiercely I was 
cautious never to catch them up, as schoolboys do to throw 
them back against the naughty boy who fired them off, 
wisely remembering that they are, in such cases, apt to 
explode in the handling. Let me add, that my reign i 
(since Byron has so called it) was marked by some in- 
stances of good nature as well as patience. I never refused 
a literary person of merit such services in smoothing his 



1 ** Sir Walter reigned before me," etc. 

— Don Juan, Canto XL Stanza 57. 



40 AUTHOR'S PREFACE 

way to the public as were in my power; and I had the 
advantage, rather an uncommon one with our irritable 
race, to enjoy general favor, without incurring permanent 
ill will, so far as is known to me, among any of my con- 
temporaries. 

W. S. 
Abbotsford, April, 1830. 



SYNOPSIS 

The events narrated in The Lady of the Lake are sup- 
posed to occupy six days; the poeui is composed of six 
cantos, and each canto describes a day's incidents. 

Canto I. The Chase. — The story opens with a descrip- 
tion of the chase, by a knight of Snowdoun, James Fitz- 
James, and his companions, of a stag started in Glenartney, 
and which is followed across the heaths of Uam-Var, 
through Canibus-more, over Bochastle Heath, across the 
Teith, past Loch Vennachar and Achray, into the depths 
of the Trosachs. Here the stag disappears from view, 
and, in pursuing it, "the gallant horse," on which the 
knight is mounted, falls dead from exhaustion. There 
is a description of the Trosachs, in seeking an outlet 
from which Fitz -James comes upon Loch Katrine as the 
sun is setting. Blowing his horn with the view of bring- 
ing up some of his companions, he sees Ellen, who sup- 
poses it to be her father, row over from an islet opposite. 
Fitz-James, telling of his " benighted road," is invited to 
the island. 

Canto IL The Island. — The story is continued by a 
description of the departure of Fitz-James next morning, 
and of the arrival at the island, first of Sir Roderick 
Dhu, chief of Clan-Alpine, and next of Lord Douglas 
and Malcolm Graeme, " a noble youth," favored by Ellen. 
In the evening Sir Roderick, who has heard of the king's 
intention to invade the Highlands, and who hopes that 
41 



42 SYNOPSIS 

by linking his fortunes to the House of Douglas friends 
and allies will flock to the united standard, asks the hand 
of Ellen. Douglas refuses. The deep disappointment 
of Roderick Dhu at lengtli finds vent in a jealous quarrel 
with Graeme. Douglas interposes, and Graeme leaves 
the island. 

Canto III. The Gathering. — Sir Roderick, after solemn 
I'itual, consisting in the preparation of the Fiery Cross, 
sends that dread symbol by swift messengers through the 
district over which he is acknowledged chief, summoning 
his clan to instant muster on " Lanrick mead." Douglas 
and his daughter have meanwhile withdrawn from Loch 
Katrine to a hollow called Coir-nan-Uiiskin, or the Goblin- 
cave, in the side of Benvenue. They are accompanied 
by their aged minstrel, Allan-bane. 

Canto IV. The Prophecy. — The canto opens with an 
account of the Taghairm, an augury said to be tried only 
in time of great extremity. Fitz-James again visits 
Ellen and proposes to take her to Stirling. She refuses. 
He gives her a ring, on presenting which to the king of 
Scotland her suit will be favored. On his return Fitz- 
James is led astray by a treacherous Highland guide, and 
night finds him a wanderer among the hills. As he 
journeys on he suddenly comes on a watch fire and a 
plaided mountaineer, who demands "his name and pur- 
pose." Ultimately, the Highlander promises to conduct 
him " past Clan- Alpine's outmost guard." 

Canto Y. The Combat. — The narrative of the fifth 
day's adventures opens with a dialogue between Fitz- 
James and the mountaineer, who, stung b}^ Saxon accu- 
sations, discloses himself as Roderick Dhu. He whistles 
and the hillside suddenly appears to be alive with men, 
who, at the signal, instantly spring from the ground. 



sYJS'OJ'SJs 43 

Having led the knight of Snowdoun beyond the bounds 
of Clan- Alpine, he challenges him to single combat at 
"Coilantogle Ford." Roderick Dhu is worsted and 
wounded. Fitz-James blows his horn; four mounted 
squires appear with a saddled steed, on which two of 
them are commanded to place the wounded chief and to 
take him to Stirling Castle. Fitz-eTames and the other 
two ride on. On reaching Stirling, Fitz-James recognizes 
the form of Douglas, who has come to surrender himself. 
It is the day of the " burghers' sports," at which the king 
must be present. Douglas joins in the athletic exercises, 
in which he excels. 

Canto VI. The Guard-room. — Ellen and Allan-bane 
arrive at the castle, the former to ask audience of the 
king. The minstrel is conducted to the room where 
Roderick Dhu lies dying. Roderick inquires as to the 
results of the battle which had meanwhile taken place 
in the Trosachs, between his clan and the royal troops. 
As the minstrel describes the battle of Beal-an-Duine, and 
shows how, although the engagement was nobly fought 
by Clan-Alpine, the advantage lay w^ith the royal forces, 
" Stout Roderick Dhu " expires. Fitz-James conducts 
Ellen to the room where the king is holding court. On 
looking round she sees every one uncovered except Fitz- 
James, and discovers, 

, " That Snowdoun's Knight is Scotland's King." 

Douglas is restored to the royal favor, and Ellen is 
united to Malcolm Graeme. 



CHARACTERS OF THE POEM 



James Fitz-James, the Knight 
of Snoicdoun. 

James Douglas, Lord of Both- 
well, uncle of the banished 
Earl of Augus. 

Ellen Douglas, his daughter. 

Margaret, Douglas^ sister-in- 
law. 

Roderick Dhu, her son. 

Malcolm Gr^me, Ellen's 
lover. 

Allan-bane, a minstrel at- 
tendant on Douglas. 



Malise, Roderick's henchman. 
Angus, the young chieftain of 

Duncraggan. 
Norman, the heir of Arman- 

dave. 
Brian, a hermit, retainer of 

Roderick Dhu. 
The Red Murdoch, a follower 

of Rhoderick Dhu. 
Blanche of Devon. 
Bertram of Ghent. 
John of Brent. 
Lewis of Tidlibardine. 



Scene: Perthshire, chiefly Loch Katrine and its neighbor- 
hood ; afterwards Stirling Castle. 
Time : About 1530. 



44 




THE LADY OF THE LAKE 



CANTO FIEST 

The Chase 

Harp of the North! that mouldering long hast 
hung 

On the witch-elm that shades Saint Fillan's 
spring, . 
And down the fitful breeze thy numbers flung, 

Till envious ivy did around thee cling, 
Muffling with verdant ringlet every string, — 5 

Minstrel Harp, still must thine accents sleep ? 
Mid rustling leaves and fountains murmuring. 

Still must thy sweeter sounds their silence keep, 
Nor bid a warrior smile, nor teach a maid to weep ? 

1. Each canto is introduced by one or more Spenserian 
stanzas. Those which precede the first canto may be consid- 
ered as introductory to the whole poem. They consist in an 
invocation oi the Scottish Harp, symboliziug the old minstrelsy, 
in the manner of the Greek and Latin poets, whose poems began 
with invocations of the Muses. 

2. witch-elm, or wych-elm, distinguished by its long leaves. 
St. Fillan's spring. St. Fillan was a Scotch abbot of the seventh 
century. 

3. numbers, verses. Cf . Longfellow's Psalm of Life : 

" Tell ine not In mournful numbers," etc 
46 



46 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Not thus, in ancient days of Caledon, lo 

Was thy voice mute amid the festal crowd, 
When lay of hopeless love, or glory won, 

Aroused the fearful or subdued the proud. 
At each according pause was heard aloud 

Thine ardent symphony sublime and high ! 15 
Fair dames and crested chiefs attention bowed ; 

For still the burden of thy minstrelsy 
Was Knighthood's dauntless deed, and Beauty's 
matchless eye. 

0, wake once more ! how rude soe'er the hand 

That ventures o'er thy magic maze to stray ; l'O 
0, wake once more ! though scarce my skill command 

Some feeble echoing of thine earlier lay : 
Though harsh and faint, and soon to die away, 

And all unworthy of thy nobler strain. 
Yet if one heart throb higher at its sway, 25 

The wizard note has not been touched in vain. 
Then silent be no more ! Enchantress, wake again ! 



The stag at eve had drunk his fill. 
Where danced the moon on Monan's rill, 

10. Caledon, or Caledonia. The Roman name for Scotland. 
14. according pause, interlude. 

28. fill. This word expresses, not what the stag drank, hnt 
how much he drank. It is therefore objective of measure, and 
should be construed as an adverb. 

29. Monan's rill. This stream is not entered in any map or 
gazetteer that we have seen. Monan was a Scotch martyr of 
the foui-th century. 



CANTO FIRST i1 

And deep his midnight lair had made 30 

In lone Glenartney's hazel shade ; 

But when the sun his beacon red 

Had kindled on Benvoirlich's head, 

The deep-mouthed bloodhound's heavy bay 

Resounded up the rocky way, 35 

And faint, from farther distance borne, 

Were heard the clanging hoof and horn. 

II. 

As Chief, who hears his warder call, 

' To arms ! the foemen storm the wall,' 

The an tiered monarch of the waste 40 

Sprung from his heathery couch in haste. 

But ere his fleet career he took, 

The dew-drops from his flanks he shook ; 

Like crested leader proud and high 

Tossed his beamed frontlet to the sky ; 46 

A moment gazed adown the dale, 

A moment snuffed the tainted gale, 

A moment listened to the cry. 

That thickened as the chase drew nigh ; 

Then, as the headmost foes appeared, 50 

With one brave bound the copse he cleared, 

31. Glenartney, a glen or valley in Perthshire. 

33. Benvoirlich, a monntain, 3180 feet high, on the southern 
side of Loch Earn. Ben is the Gaelic for mountain, as in Ben 
Lomond, Ben Venue, etc. ; Welsh, pen. 

45. beamed frontlet, the stag's forehead, bearing his antlers 
or horns. 

51. brave, grand or splendid, without reference to courage. 
[Fr. brave, Sc. hraw, Ger. hrav, handsome.] Copse, coppice. 



48 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

And, stretching forward free and far, 
Sought the wild heaths of Uam-Var. 

III. 

Yelled on the view the opening pack ; 

Kock, glen, and cavern paid them back; 

To many a mingled sound at once 

The awakened mountain gave response. 

A hundred dogs bayed deep and strong, 

Clattered a hundred steeds along, 

Their peal the merry horns rung out, 60 

A hundred voices joined the shout; 

With hark and whoop and wild halloo, 

No rest Benvoirlich's echoes knew. 

Far from the tumult fled the roe, 

Close in her covert cowered the doe, 65 

The falcon, from her cairn on high. 

Cast on the rout a wondering eye. 

Till far beyond her piercing ken 

53. Uam-Var, a mountain to the northeast of Callander, and 
the highest point in the " Braes of Doune." 

54. the opening pack, the hounds spreading out in beginning 
the chase. 

56. many a mingled sound. In the modern idiom the article 
always follows the adjectives many, what, and such ; and 
adjectives qualified by so, how, as, and too. In O. E. the same 
construction is found; but Shakespeare has "« many merry 
men" {As You Like It, I. i. 119), and "a many thousand war- 
like French" {King John, IV. ii. 199). In these instances it is 
equivalent to " a great number (of) " ; and here many may cor- 
rectly be considered a noun, as it is in the phrase " a great many.'^ 

66. falcon = a kind of hawk, cairn, a heap of stones. 

67. rout, tumult. 

68. ken, sight. 



« 



CANTO FIRST 49 

The hurricane had swept the glen. 

Faint, and more faint, its failing din 70 

Eeturned from cavern, cliff, and linn, 

And silence settled, wide and still, 

On the lone wood and mighty hill. 

IV. 

Less loud the sounds of sylvan war 

Disturbed the heights of Uam-Var, 75 

And roused the cavern where, 'tis told, 

A giant made his den of old ; 

For ere that steep ascent was won. 

High in his pathway hung the sun. 

And many a gallant, stayed perforce, 80 

Was fain to breathe his faltering horse, 

And of the trackers of the deer 

Scarce half the lessening pack was near ; 

So shrewdly on the mountain-side 

Had the bold burst their mettle tried. 85 

V. 

The noble stag was pausing now 

Upon the mountain's southern brow. 

Where broad extended, far beneath. 

The varied realms of fair Menteith. 

With anxious eye he wandered o'er go 

71. linn, waterfall. 

84, shrewdly, severely. Cf . Hamlet, I. iv. 1 : 

" The air bites shrewdly." 
89. Menteith, the district through which the river Teith flows. 



50 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Mountain and meadow, moss and moor, 

And pondered refuge from his toil. 

By far Lochard or Aberfoyle. 

But nearer was the copsewood gray 

That waved and wept on Loch Achray, 95 

And mingled with the pine-trees blue 

On the bold cliffs of Benvenue. 

Fresh vigor with the hope returned, 

With flying foot the heath he spurned, 

Held westward with unwearied race, lOO 

And left behind the panting chase. 

VI. 

'T were long to tell what steeds gave o'er, 
As swept the hunt through Cambusmore ; 
What reins were tightened in despair. 
When rose Benledi's ridge in air ; 105 

Who flagged upon Bochastle's heath, 

93. Lochard, a small lake near the town of Aberfoyle. See 
map. 

95. Loch Achray, a small lake between Loch Katrine and 
Loch Vennachar. The name means " The Lake of the Level 
Field." 

97. Benvenue, " Center Mountain," a high mountain near 
Loch Katrine, and halfway between Ben Ledi and Ben Lomond. 

99. heath, or heather, a low shrub with a purple flower, 
which grows on the Scotch hills. 

103. Cambusmore, the Great Cambus. Cambusmore is situ- 
ated on the Keltie Water, a few miles to the southeast of 
Callander. 

105. Benledi, a mountain on the north side of Loch Venna- 
char. The name means " the hill of God." 

106. Bochastle, a haugh or plain between the stream that 
flows out of Loch Vennachar and the Teith. 



CANTO FIRST 51 

Who shunned to stem the flooded Teith, — 

For twi(3e that day, from shore to shore, 

The gallant stag swam stoutly o'er. 

Few were the stragglers, following far, no 

That reached the lake of Vennachar ; 

And when the Brigg of Turk was won, 

The headmost horseman rode alone. 

VII. 

Alone, but with unbated zeal, 

That horseman plied the scourge and steel ; 115 

For jaded now, and spent with toil, 

Embossed with foam, and dark with soil, 

While every gasp with sobs he drew, 

The laboring stag strained full in view. 

Two dogs of black Saint Hubert's breed, 120 

Unmatched for courage, breath, and speed, 

Fast on his flying traces came. 

And all but won that desperate game ; 

For, scarce a spear's length from his haunch, 

Vindictive toiled the bloodhounds stanch; 125 

Nor nearer might the dogs attain, 

Nor farther might the quarry strain. 

112. Brigg of Turk, a small village, taking its name from the 
bridge on the Glentinlas Water, at the east end of Loch Achray. 

120. of black Saint Hubert's breed, black hounds of the breed 
preserved by the abbots of Saint Hubert, the patron saint of 
liunting. 

123. all but won, very nearly won. All is an adverb, modi- 
fying hut icon. But, or except, or leai^e out that they wou, and 
they did all. [But = be out ; A.-S. butan = beutan.] 

127. quarry, the hunted animali 



52 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Thus up the margin of the lake, 

Between the precipice and brake, 

O'er stock and rock their race they take. loO 

VIII. 

The Hunter marked that mountain high, 

The lone lake's western boundary. 

And deemed the stag must turn to bay. 

Where that huge rampart barred the way ; 

Already glorying in the prize, 135 

Measured his antlers with his eyes ; 

For the death-wound and death-halloo 

Mustered his breath, his whinyard drew : 

But thundering as he came prepared, 

With ready arm and weapon bared, 140 

The wily quarry shunned the shock, 

And turned him from the opposing rock ; 

Then, dashing down a darksome glen, 

Soon lost to hound and Hunter's ken. 

In the deep Trosachs' wildest nook 145 

His solitary refuge took. 

There, while close couched the thicket shed 



129. brake, ferns and bushes. 

131. that mountain high, Ben-an, or Ben-a'an, to the north- 
west of Loch Aohray, the " lone lake " of the passage. 

133. to bay. " At bay ' ' would be more correct ; in a position 
iu which it was checked, or brought to a standstill, as in the 
expression, " The stag at bai//' [Fr. bayer, to gape, to watch.] 

138. whinyard, a kind of sword or cutlass. 

145. Trosachs', literally "the bristled territory," is the 
Gaelic name applied to the district between Lochs Achray and 
Katrine. 



(JAN TO J'lIiSr 53 

Cold clews and wild flowers on his head. 
He heard the baffled dogs in vain 
Rave through the hollow pass amain, 150 

Chiding the rocks that yelled again. 

IX. 

Close on the hounds the Hunter came, 

To cheer them on the vanished game ; 

But, stumbling in the rugged dell, 

The gallant horse exhausted fell. 155 

The impatient rider strove in vain 

To rouse him with the spur and rein. 

For the good steed, his labors o'er, 

Stretched his stiff limbs, to rise no more; 

Then, touched with pity and remorse, 160 

He sorrowed o'er the expiring horse. 

' I little thought, when first thy rein 

I slacked upon the banks of Seine, 

That Highland eagle e'er should feed 

On thy fleet limbs, my matchless steed ! 165 

Woe worth the chase, woe worth the day, 

That costs thy life, my gallant gray ! ' 

150. amain, loudly, vigorously. 

154. the rugged dell. " In the defile of Becd-an-duine, where 
Fitz-James's steed fell exhausted, we are in the heart of the 
great gorge." — Anderson's Guide to the Highlands. 

158. his labors o'er. An absolute phrase, " his labors ftemfif 
over." 

159. to rise no more. A phrase attributive to limbfi. They 
were " limbs which were to rise no more." 

163. Seine, a river of France, on which Paris is situated. 
166. Woe worth the chase, woe be to the chase. Worth is 



54 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 



Then through the dell his horn resounds, 

From vain pursuit to call the hounds. 

Back limped, with slow aud crippled pace, 17"' 

The sulky leaders of the chase ; 

Close to their master's side they pressed. 

With drooping tail and humbled crest ; 

But still the dingle's hollow throat 

Prolonged the swelling bugle-note. 175 

The owlets started from their dream, 

The eagles answered with their scream, 

Eound and around the sounds were cast, 

Till echo seemed an answering blast; 

And on the Hunter hied his way, 180 

To join some comrades of the day, 

Yet often paused, so strange the road. 

So wondrous were the scenes it showed. 



XI. 

The western waves of ebbing day 

Rolled o'er the glen their level way ; 185 

imperative of O. E. wurth, loorthe, to be, become. [A.-S. 
weorthan, Ger. loerden.] Chase and day are datives. Cf. " Woe 
is me" {Hamlet, III. i. 168). 

174. dingle, a small valley. 

180. hied his way. Hie is an intransitive verb, meaning to 
hasten [A.-S. higan] ; way is therefore a redundant object. Hie 
is, however, used with a personal and reflexive object: "Hie 
thee hither" {Macbeth, I. v. 26). In "Hie ?/om to horse " {Mac- 
beth, III. i. 34), "you " may be either nominative or objective. 

185. their level way. Toward sunset the rays of the sun 
become more and more nearly horizontal. In this passage, day 



CANTO FIRST 65 

Each purple peak, each flinty spire, 
Was bathed in floods of living fire. 
But not a setting beam could glow- 
Within the dark ravines below. 
Where twined the path in shadow hid, iito 

Eound many a rocky pyramid, 
Shooting abruptly from the dell 
Its thunder-splintered pinnacle ; 
Eound many an insulated mass. 
The native bulwarks of the pass, 195 

Huge as the tower which builders vain 
Presumptuous piled on Shinar's plain. 
The rocky summits, split and rent, 
Formed turret, dome, or battlement, 
Or seemed fantastically set 200 

With cupola or minaret. 
Wild crests as pagod ever decked, 
Or mosque of Eastern architect. 
Nor were these earth-born castles bare. 
Nor lacked they many a banner fair ; 205 

For, from their shivered brows displayed. 
Far o'er the unfathomable glade. 
All twinkling with the dewdrop sheen, 

or light is spoken of as a liquid ; and the metaphor is appro- 
priately maintained throughout, in the words waves, ebbing, 
rolled, bathed, foods. 

194. insulated, isolated. 

195. native bulwarks, natural fortifications. 

196. tower, the tower of Babel. Cf. Genesis xi. 1-9. 

201. minaret, a slender, lofty tower, on a Mohammedan 
mosque or temple. 

202. pagod or pagoda, a Chinese temple. 



56 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

The brier-rose fell in streamers green, 

And creeping shrubs of thousand dyes 210 

Waved in the west-wind's summer sighs. 

XII. 

Boon nature scattered, free and wild, 

Each plant or flower, the mountain's child. 

Here eglantine embalmed the air, 

Hawthorn and hazel mingled there ; 215 

The primrose pale and violet flower 

Found in each cleft a narrow bower; 

Foxglove and nightshade, side by side, 

Emblems of punishment and pride, 

Grouped their dark hues with every stain 220 

The weather-beaten crags retain. 

With boughs that quaked at every breath ; 

Gray birch and aspen wept beneath ; 

Aloft, the ash and warrior oak 

Cast anchor in the rifted rock ; 226 

And, higher yet, the pine-tree hung 

His shattered trunk, and frequent flung. 

Where seemed the cliffs to meet on high. 

His boughs athwart the narrowed sky. 

224. warrior oak. The oak is so called, probably, from its 
being used in building ships of war. The nautical figure is con- 
tinued, not very happily, in the next line, where the trees are 
compared to ships at " anchor." 

227. frequent. An adjective, qualifying pine-tree = " many 
a pine-tree." It may, however, also be taken as an adverb = 
" at frequent intervals." The object otfung is boughs. 

229. athwart, on-thwart, i.e., cross-wise. [A.-S. on, in, and 
theor, cross, perverse.] 



CANTO FIRST 57 

Highest of all, where white peaks glanced, 230 

Where glistening streamers waved and danced. 

The wanderer's eye could barely view 

The summer heaven's delicious blue; 

So wondrous wild, the whole might seem 

The scenery of a fairy dream. 235 

xiri. 

Onward, amid the copse 'gan peep 

A narrow inlet, still and deep, 

Affording scarce such breadth of brim 

As served the wild duck's brood to swim. 

Lost for a space, through thickets veering, 240 

But broader when again appearing, 

Tall rocks and tufted knolls their face 

Could on the dark-blue mirror trace ; 

And farther as the Hunter strayed, 

Still broader sweep its channels made. 245 

The shaggy mounds no longer stood. 

Emerging from entangled wood. 

But, wave-encircled, seemed to float, 

Like castle girdled with its moat ; 

Yet broader floods extending still 260 

Divide them from their parent hill, 

Till each, retiring, claims to be 

An islet in an inland sea. 



240. veering, turning, curving. 

249. moat, a ditch, filled with water, surrounding a castle. 



58 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

XIV. 

And now, to issue from the glen, 

No pathway meets the wanderer's ken, 255 

Unless he climb with footing nice 

A far-projecting precipice. 

The broom's tough roots his ladder made, 

The hazel sa^^lings lent their aid ; 

And thus an airy point he won, 2G0 

Where, gleaming with the setting sun, 

One burnished sheet of living gold. 

Loch Katrine lay beneath him rolled, 

In all her length far winding lay. 

With promontory, creek, and bay, 265 

254. to issue. An attribute to pathway : " no pathway by 
which he may issue." 

256. Unless he climb. The subjunctive mood, expressing the 
uncertainty wliich attaches to the future: "unless he (shall) 
climb," which he may or may not do. Nice, cautious, careful. 
[Variously derived from A.-S. hnesc, tender; and from Lat. 
nescius, ignorant. Probably there are two words nice in Eng- 
lish, one derived from each of these roots. There were two cor- 
responding words in O. E. ; namely, nesh, soft, tender; and 
nice, silly, foolish; the former derived from A.-S. hnesc; the 
latter from O. Fr. 7iice, Fr. niais, Sc. nice, simple, Lat. nescius, 
■unlearned. One form of nesh was neys ; and as this latter 
-would be pronounced exactly like 7uce, the words were very 
naturally confounded. The latter is, of course, the word in the 
text. In illustration of the change which its meaning has under- 
gone, cf. fond, affectionate; Shakespeare, fond, foolish; O. E. 
fonne, Sc.fon, to play the fool, and to fondle.] 

258. broom, a wild shrnb bearing yellow liowers and pods. 

262. Explain the metaphor in this line. 

263. Loch Katrine, the lake referred to in the title of the 
poem. It disputes with Loch Lomond, which it excels in roman- 
tic interest, tlie title of "The Queen of Scottish Lakes." It is 
situated in the southwest of Perthshire. 



CANTO FIRST 59 

And islands that, empurpled bright, 

Floated amid the livelier light. 

And mountains that like giants stand 

To sentinel enchanted land. 

High on the south, huge Benvenue 270 

Down to the lake in masses threw 

Crags, knolls, and mounds, confusedly hurled, 

The fragments of an earlier world ; 

A wildering forest feathered o'er 

His ruined sides and summit hoar, 276 

While on the north, through middle air, 

Ben-an heaved high his forehead bare. 

XV. 

From the steep promontory gazed 

The stranger, raptured and amazed. 

And, ' What a scene were here,' he cried, 280 

' For princely pomp or churchman's pride ! 

266. bright. An adverb, for brightlj/. In O. E. raany adverbs 
were formed from adjectives by the suffix -e (representative of 
the dative, expressing manner). When the suffix was lost, the 
adverbs came to have the appearance of adjectives. Hence 
many adjectives are now used as adverbs, though they have not 
gone through this process. 

268. mountains, like islands, is governed by vnth, which is 
here equivalent to having, and introduces the enumeration of 
the details of the lake. 

274. wildering, perplexing, from the confusion ; bewildering. 
[Ger. ivildren, verivildren, to grow wild.'] 

277. Ben-an is on the north side of Loch Katrine, opposite 
Benvenue. 

280. were here. Conditional mood = " would be here " ; indi 
eating possibility, and implying the contrary fact : "it is not, 
but it might be." 



60 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

On this bold brow, a lordly tower ; 

In that soft vale, a lady's bower ; 

On yonder meadow far away, 

The turrets of a cloister gray ; 285 

How blithely might the bugle-horn 

Chide on the lake the lingering morn ! 

How sweet at eve the lover's lute 

Chime when the groves were still and mute ! 

And when the midnight moon should lave 290 

Her forehead in the silver wave, 

How solemn on the ear would come 

The holy matins' distant hum, 

Wldle the deep peal's commanding tone 

Should wake, in yonder islet lone, 295 

A sainted hermit from his cell, 

To drop a bead with every knell ! 

And bugle, lute, and bell, and all. 

Should each bewildered stranger call 

To friendly feast and lighted hall. 300 

XVI. 

' Blithe were it then to wander here ! 
But now — beshrew yon nimble deer — 
Like that same hermit's, thin and spare, 
The copse must give my evening fare ; 

285. cloister, a convent. 

290. lave, bathe. 293. matins, morning prayers. 

297. bead, the old Saxon word for prayer. 
302. beshrew, curse. [Be, and O. E. sA re ?/;, wicked.] A mild 
expletive, often used affectionately. 
304. give, afford or yield. 



CANTO FIRST 61 

Some mossy bank my coiicli must be, 305 

Some rustling oak my canopy. 

Yet pass we that; the war and chase 

Give little choice of resting-place ; — 

A summer night in greenwood spent 

Were but to-morrow's merriment : 310 

But hosts may in these wilds abound, 

Such as are better missed than found; 

To meet with Highland plunderers here 

Were worse than loss of steed or deer. — 

I am alone ; — my bugle-strain 315 

May call some straggler of the train ; 

Or, fall the worst that may betide, 

Ere now this falchion has been tried.' 

305. Some mossy bank my couch must be. Cf. : 

" The heath this night must be my bed, 
The bracken curtain for my head." 

— Canto III. Stanza 23. 

313. To meet with Highland plunderers here, etc. The clans 
who inhabited the romantic regions in the neighborhood of Loch 
Katrine were, even until a late peri( d, much addicted to preda- 
tory excursions upon their Lowland neighbors. It was consid- 
ered not only lawful, but honorable for hostile tribes to plunder 
one another. To meet is the nominative, or subject, of loere 
worse, which is in the conditional mood = " would be worse." 
The supposition is implied in the subject to meet : " It would be 
worse than loss of steed or deer (is bad) if I icere to meet with 
Highland plunderers here." 

317. fall the worst. Subjunctive mood: concessive or con- 
ditional: " if, or thour/h, the worst should 6efall." The apodo- 
sis is implied in the next line : 

" Ere now this falchion has been tried ; " 

therefore I need not fear. 

318. falchion, a kind of sword. 



62 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

XVII. 

But scarce again his horn he wound, 

When lo ! forth starting at the sound, 320 

From underneath an aged oak 

That slanted from the islet rock, 

A damsel guider of its way, 

A little skiff shot to the bay. 

That round the promontory steep 325 

Led its deep line in graceful sweep. 

Eddying, in almost viewless wave, 

The weeping willow twig to lave, 

And kiss, with whispering sound and slow. 

The beach of pebbles bright as snow. 330 

The boat had touched' this silver strand 

Just as the Hunter left his stand, 

And stood concealed amid the brake, 

To view this Lady of the Lake. 

The maiden paused, as if again 335 

She thought to catch the distant strain. 

With head upraised, and look intent. 

And eye and ear attentive bent, 

And locks flung back, and lips apart. 

Like monument of Grecian art, 340 

In listening mood, sire seemed to stand. 

The guardian Naiad of the strand. 

319. wound — past of wind, winded = blew. 

323. A damsel guider of its way. An absolute phrase : "a 
damsel h'iing guider of its way." 

331. this silver strand. The beach of Loch Katrine in this 
bay is now called " The Silver Strand." 

342. Naiad, a water nymph. 



OANTO FIRST 63 

XVIII. 

And ne'er did Grecian chisel trace 

A jSTyniph, a Naiad, or a Grace, 

Of finer form or lovelier face ! 345 

What though the sun, with ardent frown, 

Had slightly tinged her cheek with brown, — 

The sportive toil, which, short and light, 

Had dyed her glowing hue so bright. 

Served too in hastier swell to show 350 

Short glimpses of a breast of snow : 

Wha,t though no rule of courtly grace 

To measured mood had trained her pace, — 

A. foot more light, a step more true, 

Ne'er from the heath-flower dashed the dew ; 355 

E'en the slight harebell raised its head. 

Elastic from her airy tread : 

What though upon her speech there hung 

The accents of the mountain tongue, — 

Those silver sounds, so soft, so dear, 360 

The listener held his breath to hear! 

XIX. 

A chieftain's daughter seemed the maid; 

Her satin snood, her silken plaid. 

Her golden brooch, such birth betrayed. 

And seldom was a snood amid 365 

Such wild luxuriant ringlets hid, 

Whose glossy black to shame might bring 

363. snood, a ribbon used to bind the hair. 



64 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

The plumage of the raven's wing; 

And seklom o'er a breast so fair 

Mantled a plaid with modest care, 370 

And never brooch the folds combined 

Above a heart more good and kind. 

Her kindness and her worth to spy, 

You need but gaze on Ellen's eye ; 

Not Katrine in her mirror blue 375 

Gives back the shaggy banks more true, 

Than every free-born glance confessed 

The guileless movements of her breast ; 

Whether joy danced in her dark eye, 

Or woe or pity claimed a sigh, 380 

Or filial love was glowing there. 

Or meek devotion poured a prayer. 

Or tale of injury called forth 

The indignant spirit of the North. 

One only passion unrevealed 385 

With maiden pride the maid concealed. 

Yet not less purely felt the flame ; — 

0, need I tell that passion's name ? 

XX. 

Impatient of the silent horn. 

Now on the gale her voice was borne : — 390 

^ Father ! ' she cried ; the rocks around 

Loved to prolong the gentle sound. 

Awhile she paused, no answer came ; 

* Malcolm, was thine the blast ? ' the name 

Less resolutely uttered fell, 395 



CANTO FIRST 65 

The echoes could not catch the swell. 

' A stranger I,' the Huntsman said, 

Advancing from the hazel shade. 

The maid, alarmed, with hasty oar 

Pushed her light shallop from the shore, 400 

And when a space was gained between. 

Closer she drew her bosom's screen ; — 

So forth the startled swan would swing. 

So turn to prune his ruflled wing. 

Then safe, though fluttered and amazed, 405 

She paused, and on the stranger gazed. 

Not his the form, nor his the eye, 

That youthful maidens wont to fly. 

XXI. 

On his bold visage middle age 

Had slightly pressed its signet sage, 410 

Yet had not quenched the open truth 

And fiery vehemence of youth ; 

Forward and frolic glee was there, 

The will to do, the soul to dare, 

The sparkling glance, soon blown to fire, 415 

Of hasty love or headlong ire. 

His limbs were cast in manly mould 

For hardy sports or contest bold; 

And though in peaceful garb arrayed, 

403. would swing. Conditional mood. The subjunctive is 
implied in the attribute startled : 

" So the swan would swing forth, if it were startled." 
408. wont, are accustomed. 



66 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

And weaponless except his blade, 420 

His stately mien as well implied 

A high-born heart, a martial pride, 

As if a baron's crest he wore, 

And sheathed in armor trode the shore. 

Slighting the petty need he showed, 425 

He told of his benighted road ; 

His ready speech flowed fair and free, 

In phrase of gentlest courtesy, 

Yet seemed that tone and gesture bland 

Less used to sue than to command. 430 

XXII. 

Awhile the maid the stranger eyed. 

And, reassured, at length replied. 

That Highland halls were open still 

To wildered wanderers of the hill. 

'Nor think you unexpected come 435 

To yon lone isle, our desert home ; 

Before the heath had lost the dew. 

This morn, a couch was pulled for you ; 

On yonder mountain's purple head 

Have ptarmigan and heath-cock bled, 440 

And our broad nets have swept the mere, 

425. Slighting, making light of. 

431. Awhile. The object of time. While is properly a 
noun. [A.-S. hivil, time.] Measure of time, space, or quantity 
is expressed by a noun in the objective, without a preposition. 

434. wildered. This is the passive participle, and shows that 
Scott used the verb transitively. 

438. a couch was pulled. The materials for the couch, which 
consisted of heather and bracken, were pnllpd. 



CANTO FIRST 67 

To furnish forth your evening cheer.' — 

* Now, by the rood, my lovely maid, 
Your courtesy has erred,' he said ; 

' No right have I to claim, misplaced, 445 

The welcome of expected guest. 

A wanderer, here by fortune tost. 

My way, my friends, my courser lost, 

I ne'er before, believe me, fair. 

Have ever drawn your mountain air, 450 

Till on this lake's romantic strand 

I found a fay in fairy land ! ' 

XXIII. 

* I well believe,' the maid replied. 

As her light skiff approached the side, — 

' I well believe, that ne'er before 455 

Your foot has trod Loch Katrine's shore ; 

But yet, as far as yesternight, 

Old Allan-bane foretold your plight, — 

A gray -haired sire, whose eye intent 

Was on the visioned future bent. 460 

443. by the rood. By the cross. [Same as rod, that which 
springs from a root. A.-S. roede ; Lat. rudis, a rod, and radix, 
a root.] 

449. fair. An adjective used as a noun in the vocative or 
nominative of address. When the adjective is so used, it is gen- 
erally accompanied by the definite article — the fair, the good, 
the rich, the poor. The adjective and article so used generally 
name either a class (the poor = poor people) or an abstract qual- 
ity (the good = goodness). 

452. if ay, a fairy. 

460. * ' If force of evidence could authorize us to believe facts 
inconsistent with the general laws of nature, enough might be 



68 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

He saw your steed, a dappled gray, 461 

Lie dead beneath the birchen way ; 
Painted exact your form and mien, 
Your hunting-suit of Lincohi green, 

produced in favor of the existence of the second sight. It is 
called in Gaelic Taishitaraugh, from Taish, an unreal or shad- 
owy appearance ; and those possessed of the faculty are called 
Taishatrin, which may be aptly translated visionaries. Martin, 
a steady believer in the second sight, gives the following account 
of it : 

" ' The second sight is a singular faculty of seeing an otherwise 
invisible object without any previous means used by the person 
that uses it for that end : the vision makes such a lively impres- 
sion upon the seers, that they neither see nor think of anything 
else, except the vision, as long as it continues; and then they 
appear pensive or jovial, according to the object that was repre- 
sented to them. 

'"At the sight of a vision, the eyelids of the person are erected , 
and the eyes continue staring until the object vanish. This is 
obvious to others who are by when the persons happen to see a 
vision, and occurred more than once to my own observation, 
and to others that were with me. . . . 

" * If a woman is seen standing at a man's left hand, it is a 
presage that she will be his wife, whether they be married to 
others, or unmarried at the time of the apparition. 

" ' To see a spark of fire fall upon one's arm or breast is a fore- 
rminer of a dead child to be seen in the arms of those persons ; 
of which there are several fresh instances. . . . 

" ' To see a seat empty at the time of one's sitting in it, is a 
presage of that person's death soon after' (Martin's Descrip- 
tion of the Western Islands, 1716, 8vo, p. 300, et seq.). 

" To these particulars innumerable examples might be added, 
all attested by grave and credible authors. But, in despite of 
evidence which neither Bacon, Boyle, nor Johnson were able to 
resist, the Taish, with all its visionary properties, seems to be 
now universally abandoned to the use of poetry. The exqui- 
sitely beautiful poem of Lochiel will at once occur to the recol- 
lection of every reader." — Scott. 

464. Lincoln green, cloth made in Lincoln and much used by 
huntsmen. 



CANTO FIRST 



69 



470 



That tasselled horn so gayly gilt, 465 

That falchion's crooked blade and hilt, 

That cap with heron plumage trim, 

And yon two hounds so dark and grim. 

He bade that all should ready be 

To grace a guest of fair degree ; 

But light I held his prophecy, 

And deemed it was my father's horn 

Whose echoes o'er the lake were borne.' 

XXIV. 

The stranger smiled : — ' Since to your home 

A destined errant-knight I come, 475 

Announced by prophet sooth and old, 

Doomed, doubtless, for achievement bold, 

I '11 lightly front each high emprise 

For one kind glance of those bright eyes. 

Permit me first the task to guide 480 

Your fairy frigate o'er the tide.' 

The maid, with smile suppressed and sly. 

The toil unwonted saw him try ; 

For seldom, sure, if e'er before. 

His noble hand had grasped an oar : 485 

Yet with main strength his strokes he drew, 

And o'er the lake the shallop flew ; 

With heads erect and whimpering cry. 

The hounds behind their passage ply. 

475. errant-knight, or knight-errant, a wandering knight. 

476. sooth, true. 

478. emprise, enterprise. 



70 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Nor frequent does the bright oar break 490 

The darkening mirror of the lake, 
Until the rocky isle they reach, 
And moor their shallop on the beach. 

XXV. 

The stranger viewed the shore around ; 

'T was all so close with copsewood bound, 495 

Nor track nor pathway might declare 

That human foot frequented there, 

Until the mountain maiden showed 

A clambering unsuspected road. 

That winded through the tangled screen, 500 

And opened on a narrow green. 

Where weeping birch and willow round 

With their long fibres swept the ground. 

Here, for retreat in dangerous hour, 

Some chief had framed a rustic bower. 505 

XXVI. 

It was a lodge of ample size. 

But strange of structure and device ; 

490. frequent, the adjective used adverbially. 

492. rocky isle, still known as Ellen's Isle. 

504. for retreat in dangerous hour. "The Celtic chieftains, 
whose lives were continually exposed to peril, had usually, in 
the most retired spot of their domains, some place of retreat for 
the hour of necessity, which, as circumstances would admit, was 
a tower, a cavern, or a rustic hut, in a sti-ong and secluded situ- 
ation. One of these last gave refuge to the unfortunate Charles 
Edward, in his perilous wanderings after the battle of Cul- 
loden. " — Sco«. 

507. device, design. 



CANTO FIRST 71 

Of such materials as around 

The workman's hand had readiest found. 

Lopped of their boughs, their hoar trunks bared, 5io 

And by the hatchet rudely squared, 

To give the walls their destined height, 

The sturdy oak. and ash unite ; 

While moss and clay and leaves combined 

To fence each crevice from the wind. 515 

The lighter pine-trees overhead 

Their slender length for rafters spread, 

And withered heath and rushes dry 

Supplied a russet canopy. 

Due westward, fronting to the green, 620 

A rural portico was seen, 

Aloft on native pillars borne, 

Of mountain fir with bark unshorn. 

Where Ellen's hand had taught to twine 

The ivy and Idaean vine, 525 

The clematis, the favored flower 

Which boasts the name of virgin-bower, 

And every hardy plant could bear 

Loch Katrine's keen and searching air. 

An instant in this porch she stayed, 530 

And gayly to the stranger said : 

^ On heaven and on thy lady call, 

And enter the enchanted hall ! ' 

525. Idaean vine, probably the red whortleberry. Mt. Ida, a 
mountain near ancient Troy, was famous for its vines. 

526. clematis, the vine called in this country Virginia creeper. 
528. So. "that." The omission of the relative pronoun is 

common in English verse. 



72 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

XXVII. 

< My hope, my heaven, my trust must be, 

My gentle guide, in following thee ! ' 535 

He crossed the threshold, — and a clang 

Of angry steel that instant rang. 

To his bold brow his spirit rushed, 

But soon for vain alarm he blushed. 

When on the floor he saw displayed, 540 

Cause of the din, a naked blade 

Dropped from the sheath, that careless flung 

Upon a stag's huge antlers swung ; 

For all around, the walls to grace. 

Hung trophies of the fight or chase : 545 

A target there, a bugle here, 

A battle-axe, a hunting spear. 

And broadswords, bows, and arrows store, 

With the tusked trophies of the boar. 

Here grins the wolf as when he died, 550 

And there the wild-cat's brindled hide 

The frontlet of the elk adorns. 

Or mantles o'er the bison's horns ; 

Pennons and flags defaced and stained. 

That blackening streaks of blood retained, 555 

And deer-skins, dappled, dun, and white, 

With otter's fur and seal's unite, 

542. See note on 1. 490. 

546. target, a small shield. 

548. store. Cf. Milton's U Allegro : 

"With store of ladies, whose bright eyea 
Kain influence, and adjudge the prize." 



CANTO FIRST 73 



In rude and uncouth tapestry all, 
To garnish forth the sylvan hall. 



XXVIII. 

The wondering stranger round him gazed, 5m 

And next the fallen weapon raised : — 

Few were the arms whose sinewy strength 

Sufficed to stretch it forth at length. 

And as the brand he poised and swayed, 

' I never knew but one/ he said, 565 

' Whose stalwart arm might brook to wield 

A blade like this in battle-field.' 

She sighed, then smiled and took the word : 

' You see the guardian champion's sword ; 

As light it trembles in his hand 570 

As in my grasp a hazel wand : 

My sire's tall form might grace the part 

Of Ferragus or Ascabart, 

But in the absent giant's hold 

Are women now, and menials old.' 675 

XXIX. 

The mistress of the mansion came, 
Mature of age, a graceful dame, 

573. Of Ferragus or Ascabart. " These two sons of Anak flour- 
ished in romantic fable. The first is well known to the admirers 
of Ariosto by the name of Ferrau. He was an antagonist of 
Orlando, and was at length slain by him in single combat. Asca- 
part, or Ascabart, makes a very material figure in the History 
of Bevis of Hampton, by whom he was conquered." — Scott. 

577. Mature of age. Mature as <o, or with reference to, age; 
an example of the "genitive of reference." 



74 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Whose easy step and stately port 

Had well become a princely court, 

To whom, though more than kindred knew, 580 

Young Ellen gave a mother's due. 

Meet welcome to her guest she made. 

And every courteous rite was paid 

That hospitality could claim, 

Though all unasked his birth and name. 585 

Such then the reverence to a guest, 

That fellest foe might join the feast. 

And from his deadliest foeman's door ■ 

Unquestioned turn, the banquet o'er. 

At length his rank the stranger names, 590 

' The Knight of Snowdoun, James Fitz-James ; 

Lord of a barren heritage. 

Which his brave sires, from age to age. 

By their good swords had held with toil ; 

His sire had fallen in such turmoil, 595 

And he, God wot, was forced to stand 

580. though more than kindred knew. Though it (namely, 
"a mother's due") was more than kinship warranted or 
acknowledged. The mistress was mother of Roderick Dhu, and 
Ellen's aunt. 

585. Though all unasked, etc. ' ' The Highlanders, who carried 
hospitality to a punctilious excess, are said to have considered it 
as churlish to ask a stranger his name or lineage before he had 
taken refreshment. Feuds were so frequent among them, that a 
contrary rule would in many cases have produced the discovery 
of some circumstance which might have excluded the guest from 
the benefit of the assistance he stood in need of." — Scott. 

591. Fitz-James. Fitz is the 'LaXxnJilius, O. Fr. fiz, ovflls, 
a son. 

596. wot, knew. But wot is properly the present tense of to 
wit, to know ; the past is ivist. 



CANTO FIRST <o 

Oft for his right with blade in hand. 
This morning with Lord Moray's train 
He chased a stalwart stag in vain, 
Outstripped his comrades, missed the deer, 600 
Lost his good steed, and wandered here.' 

XXX. 

Fain would the Knight in turn require 

The name and state of Ellen's sire. 

Well showed the elder lady's mien 

That courts and cities she had seen ; 005 

Ellen, though more her looks displayed 

The simple grace of sylvan maid, 

In speech and gesture, form and face. 

Showed she was come of gentle race. 

'T were strange in ruder rank to find 610 

Such looks, such manners, and such mind. 

Each hint the Knight of Snowdoun gave, 

Dame Margaret heard with silence grave ; 

Or Ellen, innocently gay. 

Turned all inquiry light away : — 615 

'Weird women we! by dale and down 

We dwell, afar from tower and town. 

We stem the flood, we ride the blast. 

On wandering knights our spells we cast ; 

602. require, request. Cf. Henrrj VIII. II. iv. 144: 
" In humblest manner I require your highness." 

616. Weird, skilled in witchcraft, down, hill. [A.-S. dun.] 
Hence the Downs, North and South — ridges in the south of 
England. 

619. spells. A form of words, by the recitation of which 
magical effects were supposed to he produced. 



76 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

While viewless minstrels touch the string, 620 
'T is thus our charmed rhymes we sing.' 
She sung, and still a harp unseen 
Filled up the symphony between. 

XXXI. 

SONG 

' Soldier, rest ! thy warfare o'er. 

Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking ; 625 
Dream of battled fields no more, 

Days of danger, nights of waking. 
In our isle's enchanted hall, 

Hands unseen thy couch are strewing, 
Fairy strains of music fall, 630 

Every sense in slumber dewing. 
Soldier, rest ! thy warfare o'er. 
Dream of fighting fields no more ; 
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking, 
Morn of toil, nor night of waking. 635 

* No rude sound shall reach thine ear. 
Armor's clang or war-steed champing, 

Trump nor pibroch summon here 

Mustering clan or squadron tramping. 

Yet the lark's shrill fife may come 640 

At the daybreak from the fallow. 



631. dewing, bedewing. A frequent metaphor. 
638. pibroch, see note on Canto II. 1. 356. 
641. fallow, unplowed land. 



CANTO FIRST 77 

And the bittern sound his drum, 

Booming from the sedgy shallow, 
Ruder sounds shall none be near, 
Guards nor warders challenge here, 645 

Here 's no war-steed's neigh and champing, 
Shouting clans of squadrons stamping.' 

XXXII. 

She paused, — then, blushing, led the lay, 

To grace the stranger of the day. 

Her mellow notes awhile prolong 650 

The cadence of the flowing song. 

Till to her lips in measured frame 

The minstrel verse spontaneous came. 

SONG CONTINUED 

^Huntsman, rest! thy chase is done; 

While our slumbrous spells assail ye, 656 
Dream not, with the rising sun, 

Bugles here shall sound reveille. 
Sleep ! the deer is in his den : 

Sleep ! thy hounds are by thee lying. 
Sleep ! nor dream in yonder glen 660 

How thy gallant steed lay dying. 
Huntsman, rest ! thy chase is done ; 

642. bittern, a water fowl, something like our loon. Gold- 
smith in his Animated Nature says that of all the notes of water 
fowl none is "so dismally hollow as the booming of the bittern." 

643. sedgy, marshy. 

657. reveille, the morning bugle call.. 



78 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Think not of the rising sun, 
For at dawning to assail ye 
Here no bugles sound reveille/ ' 665 

XXXIII. 

The hall was cleared, — the stranger's bed 

Was there of mountain heather spread. 

Where oft a hundred guests had lain, 

And dreamed their forest sports again. 

But vainly did the heath-flower shed 670 

Its moorland fragrance round his head ; 

Not Ellen's spell had lulled to rest 

The fever of his troubled breast. 

In broken dreams the image rose 

Of varied perils, pains, and woes : 675 

His steed now flounders in the brake. 

Now sinks his barge upon the lake ; 

Now leader of a broken host. 

His standard falls, his honor 's lost. 

Then, — from my couch may heavenly might 680 

Chase that worst phantom of the night ! — 

Again returned the scenes of youth. 

Of confident, undoubting truth ; 

Again his soul he interchanged 

With friends whose hearts were long estranged. 685 

They come, in dim procession led, 



676. flounders . . . sinks . . . falls. Examples of the rhe- 
torical figure called vision. When used by historians to convey 
a vivid impression of events transacted, it is called, with refer- 
ence to the verb, the historical, present. 



CANTO FIRST 79 

The cold, the faithless, and the dead ; 

As warm each hand, each brow as gay. 

As if they parted yesterday. 

And doubt distracts him at the view, — 690 

were his senses false or true ? 

Dreamed he of death or broken vow, 

Or is it all a vision now ? 

XXXIV. 

At length, with Ellen in a grove 

He seemed to walk and speak of love ; 695 

She listened with a blush and sigh, 

His suit was warm, his hopes were high. 

He sought her yielded hand to clasp. 

And a cold gauntlet met his grasp : 

The phantom's sex was changed and gone, 700 

Upon its head a helmet shone ; 

Slowly enlarged to giant size. 

With darkened cheek and threatening eyes, 

The grisly visage, stern and hoar. 

To Ellen still a likeness bore. — 705 

He woke, and, panting with affright. 

Recalled the vision of the night. 

The hearth's decaying brands were red, 

And deep and dusky lustre shed. 

Half showing, half concealing, all 710 

The uncouth trophies of the hall. 

702. Slowly enlarged. An elliptical concessive clause — 
^^ though slowly enlarged." 
704. grisly, ghastly. 



80 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Mid those the stranger fixed his eye 

Where that huge falchion himg on high, 

And thoughts on thoughts, a countless throng, 

Rushed, chasing countless thoughts along, 715 

Until, the giddy whirl to cure. 

He rose and sought the moonshine pure. 

XXXV. 

The wild rose, eglantine, and broom 

Wasted around their rich perfume ; 

The birch-trees wept in fragrant balm ; 720 

The aspen slept beneath the calm ; 

The silver light, with quivering glance. 

Played on the water's still expanse, — 

Wild were the heart whose passion's sway 

Could rage beneath the sober ray ! 725 

He felt its calm, that warrior guest. 

While thus he communed with his breast : — 

' Why is it, at each turn I trace 

Some memory of that exiled race ? 

Can I not mountain maiden spy, 730 

But she must bear the Douglas eye ? 

729. exiled race. James IV. of Scotland, the father of 
James V., was killed in the battle of Flodden Field. James V. 
succeeded to the throne at the age of two years, his mother 
acting as Regent. A few years later she married the Earl of 
Angus, a member of the powerful Douglas family, who, through 
this marriage, became for a time the virtual ruler of Scotland. 
In 1528, however, the young King James V. escaped from his 
hands. A sentence of forfeiture was passed against Angus and 
his kinsmen, the king swearing that while he lived the Douglases 
should have no place in his kingdom. 



CANTO FIRST 81 

Can I not view a Highland brand, 

But it must match the Douglas hand ? 

Can I not frame a fevered dream, 

But still the Douglas is the theme ? 735 

I '11 dream no more, — by manly mind 

Not even in sleep is will resigned. 

My midnight orisons said o'er, 

I '11 turn to rest, and dream no more.' 

His midnight orisons he told, 740 

A prayer with every bead of gold, 

Consigned to heaven his cares and woes, 

And sunk in undisturbed repose, 

Until the heath-cock shrilly crew. 

And morning dawned on Ben venue. 745 

738. orisons, prayers told, counted. 

741. A prayer with every bead of gold. The custom of using 
beads in rehearsing prayers is referred to. The number of 
prayers, according to this custom, is represented by the number 
of beads dropped. To tell beads is to be at prayer. The priestly 
charge to repeat a certain number of paternosters for the souls 
of the departed is called biddiiif/ of beads. Bedesman is one 
who is employed to pray, and bead-roll signifies the list of those 
who are to be prayed for. Bead first signified prayer. A.-S. 
beadf a praying ; gebed, a prayer. 



S2 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 



CANTO SECOND 
The Island 



At morn the black-cock trims his jetty wing, 

'T is morning prompts the linnet's blithest lay, 
All Nature's children feel the matin spring 

Of life reviving, with reviving day ; 

And while yon little bark glides down the bay, 5 
Wafting the stranger on his way again, 

Morn's genial influence roused a minstrel gray, 
And sweetly o'er the lake was heard thy strain, 
Mixed with the sounding harp, white-haired 
Allan-bane ! 

4. reviving . . . reviving. The first reviving is the infini- 
tive, complement of feel ; the second revivirig is the participle, 
qualifying day. 

7. roused. Past tense ; while glides, in the dependent clause 
of time, is present tense, a minstrel gray. The Highland 
chieftains retained, to a late period, a bard or minstrel in their 
service, as a family officer. He had frequently intrusted to 
him the education of the children of his chief. He celebrated 
in verse the triumphs of the clan, and sang these effusions 
for the entertainment of the lord and his guests. Originally 
these bards held a position of honor, and were much re- 
spected ; but as their calling was generally exercised over 
their cups, and often in low company, the office gradually 
fell into disrepute. 



CANTO SECOND 83 

II. 

SONG 

^ Not faster yonder rowers' might 10 

Flings from their oars the spray, 

Not faster yonder rippling bright, 

That tracks the shallop's course in light, 
Melts in the lake away, 

Than men from memory erase 15 

The benefits of former days ; 

Then, stranger, go ! good speed the while. 

Nor think again of the lonely isle. 

' High place to thee in royal court. 

High place in battled line, 20 

Good hawk and hound for sylvan sport ! 
Where beauty sees the brave resort. 

The honored meed be thine ! 
True be thy sword, thy friend sincere. 
Thy lady constant, kind, and dear, 25 

And lost in love's and friendship's smile 
Be memory of the lonely isle ! 

III. 

SONG CONTINUED 

^ But if beneath yon southern sky 

A plaided stranger roam. 
Whose drooping crest and stifled sigh, 30 

And sunken cheek and heavy eye, 

Pine for his Highland home ; 

23. meed, reward. 



84 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Then, warrior, then be thine to show 
The care that soothes a wanderer's woe ; 
Eem ember then thy hap erewhile, 35 

A stranger in the lonely isle. 

'■ Or if on life's uncertain main 

Mishap shall mar thy sail ; 
If faithful, wise, and brave in vain, 
Woe, want, and exile thou sustain 40 

Beneath the fickle gale ; 
Waste not a sigh on fortune changed, 
On thankless courts, or friends estranged, 
But come where kindred worth shall smile, 
To greet thee in the lonely isle.' 45 

IV. 

As died the sounds upon the tide, 

The shallop reached the mainland side, 

And ere his onward way he took. 

The stranger cast a lingering look, 

Where easily his eye might reach 50 

The Harper on the islet beach, 

Eeclined against a blighted tree, 

As wasted, gray, and worn as he. 

To minstrel meditation given. 

His reverend brow was raised to heaven, 55 

As from the rising sun to claim 

A sparkle of inspiring flame. 

His hand, reclined upon the wire, 

35. hap, lot; fortune. 37. main, sea. 



CANTO SECOND J^6 

Seemed watching the awakening fire ; 

So still he sat as those who wait 6o 

Till judgment speak the doom of fate ; 

So still, as if no breeze might dare 

To lift one lock of hoary hair ; 

So still, as life itself were fled 

In the last sound his harp had sped. Oo 



Upon a rock with lichens wild, 

Beside him Ellen sat and smiled. — 

Smiled she to see the statelj- drake 

Lead forth his fleet upon the lake, 

While her vexed spaniel from the beach 70 

Bayed at the prize beyond his reach ? 

Yet tell me, then, the maid who knows, 

Why deepened on her cheek the rose ? — 

Forgive, forgive. Fidelity ! 

Perchance the maiden smiled to see 7.5 

Yon parting lingerer wave adieu, 

And stop and turn to wave anew; 

And, lovely ladies, ere your ire 

Condemn the heroine of my lyre. 

Show me the fair would scorn to spy 80 

And prize such conquest of her eye ! 

VI. 

While yet he loitered on the spot, 
It seemed as Ellen marked him not; 

66. lichens, a kind of grayish moss. 



86 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

But when he turned him to the glade, 

One courteous parting sign she made ; 85 

And after, oft the knight would say. 

That not when prize of festal day 

Was dealt him by the brightest fair 

Who e'er wore jewel in her hair. 

So highly did his bosom swell 90 

As at that simple mute farewell. 

Now with a trusty mountain-guide, 

And his dark stag-hounds by his side, 

He parts, — the maid, unconscious still. 

Watched him wind slowly round the hill ; 95 

But when his stately form was hid, 

The guardian in her bosom chid, — 

' Thy Malcolm ! vain and selfish maid ! ' 

'T was thus upbraiding conscience said, — 

* Not so had Malcolm idly hung 100 

On the smooth phrase of Southern tongue ; 

Not so had Malcolm strained his eye 

Another step than thine to spy.' — 

' Wake, Allan-bane,' aloud she cried 

To the old minstrel by her side, — 105 

^ Arouse thee from thy moody dream ! 

I '11 give thy harp heroic theme. 

And warm thee with a noble name ; 

Pour forth the glory of the Grseme ! ' 

109. Graeme. " The ancient and powerful family of Graham 
(which, for metrical reasons, is here spelt after the Scottish 
pronunciation) held extensive possessions in the counties of 
Dumbarton and Stirling. Few families can boast of more his- 
torical renown, having claim to three of the most remarkable 



CANTO SECOND 87 

Scarce from her lip the word had rushed, iio 

When deep the conscious maiden blushed ; 
For of his clan, in hall and bower, 
Young Malcolm Graeme was held the flower. 

VII. 

The minstrel waked his harp, — three times 

Arose the well-known martial chimes, 115 

And thrice their high heroic pride 

In melancholy murmurs died. 

'■ Vainly thou bidst, noble maid,' 

Clasping his withered hands, he said, 

' Vainly thou bidst me wake the strain, 120 

Though all unwont to bid in vain. 

Alas ! than mine a mightier hand 

Has tuned my harp, my strings has spanned ! 

I touch the chords of joy, but low 

And mournful answer notes of woe ; 125 

And the proud march which victors tread 

characters in the Scottish auiials. Sir Joliu tlie Graeme, the 
faithful aud undaunted partaker of the labors and patriotic 
warfare of Wallace, fell in the unfortunate field of Falkirk, in 
1298. The celebrated Marquis of Montrose, in whom De Retz 
saw realized his abstract idea of the heroes of antiquity, was 
the second of these worthies. And notwithstanding the severity 
of his temper, and the rigor with which he executed the op- 
pressive mandates of the princes whom he served, I do not 
hesitate to name as a third, John Grseme of Claverhouse, Vis- 
count of Dundee, whose heroic death in the arms of victory 
may be allowed to cancel the memory of his cruelty to the Non- 
conformists, during the reigns of Charles II. and James II." — 
Scott. 

121. unwont, unaccustomed. 



88 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Sinks in the wailing for the dead. 

0, well for me, if mine alone 

That dirge's deep prophetic tone ! 

If, as my tuneful fathers said, 130 

This harp, which erst Saint Modan swayed, 

Can thus its master's fate foretell, 

Then welcome be the minstrel's knell ! 

VIII. 

^ But ah ! dear lady, thus it sighed, 

The eve thy sainted mother died ; 135 

And such the sounds which, while I strove 

To wake a lay of war or love. 

Came marring all the festal mirth. 

Appalling me who gave them birth. 

And, disobedient to my call, 140 

Wailed loud through Bothwell's bannered hall, 

Ere Douglases, to ruin driven. 

Were exiled from their native heaven. — 

! if yet worse mishap and woe 

My master's house must undergo, 145 

Or aught but weal to Ellen fair 

Brood in these accents of despair, 

No future bard, sad Harp ! shall fling 



130. tuneful fathers, earlier minstrels. 

131. erst, formerly. Saint Modan, a Scotch abbot of the 
seventh century. 

141. Bothwell's bannered hall, Bothwell Castle on the Clyde, 
near Glasgow. 

142. Douglases, see note on Canto I. 1. 729. 
146. weal, good fortune. 



CANTO SECOND 89 

Triumph or rapture from thy string ; 

One short, one final strain shall flow, 150 

Fraught with unutterable woe, 

Then shivered shall thy fragments lie, 

Thy master cast him down and die ! ^ 

IX. 

Soothing she answered him : ^ Assuage, 

Mine honored friend, the fears of age ; 155 

All melodies to thee are known 

That harp has rung or pipe has blown. 

In Lowland vale or Highland glen. 

From Tweed to Spey — what marvel, then. 

At times unbidden notes should rise, 160 

Confusedly bound in memory's ties, 

Entangling, as they rush along, 

The war-march with the funeral song ? — 

Small ground is now for boding fear ; 

Obscure, but safe, we rest us here. 165 

My sire, in native virtue great, 

Kesigning lordship, lands, and state, 

Not then to fortune more resigned 

Than yonder oak might give the wind ; 

The graceful foliage storms may reave, 170 

The noble stem they cannot grieve. 

For me ' — she stooped, and, looking round, 

159. Tweed . . . Spey, the former the southern boundary of 
Scotland, the latter a river in the extreme north. 
164. boding, foreboding. 
170. reave, tear away. 



90 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Plucked a blue harebell from the ground, — 

' For me, whose memory scarce conveys 

An image of more s]3lendid days, 175 

This little flower that loves the lea 

May well my simple emblem be; 

It drinks heaven's dew as blithe as rose 

That in the King's own garden grows ; 

And when I place it in my hair, 180 

Allan, a bard is bound to swear 

He ne'er saw coronet so fair.' 

Then playfully the chaplet wild 

She wreathed in her dark locks, and smiled. 

X. 

Her smile, her speech, with winning sway, 185 

Wiled the old Harper's mood away. 

With such a look as hermits throw, 

When angels stoop to soothe their woe. 

He gazed, till fond regret and pride 

Thrilled to a tear, then thus replied : 190 

' Loveliest and best I thou little know'st 

The rank, the honors, thou hast lost ! 

0, might I live to see thee grace, 

In Scotland's court, thy birthright place. 

To see my favorite's step advance 195 

The lightest in the courtly dance. 

The cause of every gallant's sigh, 

And leading star of every eye, 

176. lea, meadow. 



CANTO SECOND 91 

And theme of every minstrel's art, 

The Lady of the Bleeding Heart ! ' 200 

XI. 

* Fair dreams are these/ the maiden cried, — 

Light was her accent, yet she sighed, — 

' Yet is this mossy rock to me 

Worth splendid chair and canopy ; 

Nor would my footstep spring more gay 205 

In courtly dance than blithe strathspey, 

Nor half so pleased mine ear incline 

To royal minstrel's lay as thine. 

And then for suitors proud and high, 

To bend before my conquering eye, — 210 

Thou, flattering bard ! thyself wilt say. 

That grim Sir Eoderick owns its sway. 

The Saxon scourge, Clan-Alpine's pride, 

The terror of Loch Lomond's side. 

Would, at my suit, thou know'st, delay 215 

A Lennox foray — for a day.' — 

XII. 

The ancient bard her glee repressed : 
' 111 hast thou chosen theme for jest ! 

200. Bleeding Heart, the cognizance of the Douglas family, 
chosen to commemorate Robert Bruce's dying bequest of his 
heart to James Douglas, whom he charged with the duty of carry- 
ing it to Jerusalem. Bruce's heart is now in Melrose Abbey. 

206. strathspey, a Highland dance. 

214. Loch Lomond. See map. 

216. Lennox foray, a raid into the territory of the Lennox 
family, south of Loch Lomond. 



92 THE LADY OF TlIK LAKE 

For who, through all this western wild, 

Named Black Sir Eoderick e'er, and smiled ? 220 

In Holy-Eood a knight he slew ; 

I saw, when back the dirk he drew, 

Courtiers give place before the stride 

Of the undaunted homicide ; 

And since, though outlaw^ed, hath his hand 225 

Full sternly kept his mountain land. 

Who else dared give — ah ! woe the day, 

That I such hated truth should say ! — 

The Douglas, like a stricken deer, 

Disowned by ev^y noble peer, 230 

220. Black Sir Roderick. " Besides his ordinary name and 
surname, which were chiefly used in the intercourse witli tho 
Lowlands, every Highland chief had an epithet expressive of 
his patriarchal dignity as head of the clan, and which was com- 
mon to all his predecessors and successors, as Pharaoh to the 
kings of Egypt, or Arsaces to those of Parthia. This name was 
usually a patronymic, expressive of his descent from the 
founder of the family. Besides this title, which belonged to 
his office and dignity, the chieftain had usually another pe.-uliar 
to himself, which distinguished him from the chieftains of the 
same race. This was sometimes derived from complexion, as 
dim or roy ; sometimes from size, as heg or more ; at other 
times, from some peculiar exploit, or from some peculiarity of 
habit or appearance. Roderick dhu therefore signifies Black 
Roderick.'" — Scott. 

221. Holy-Rood, the royal palace at Edinburgh, 

230. Disowned by every noble peer. "The exiled state of this 
powerful race is not exaggerated in this and subsequent pas- 
sages. The hatred of James against the race of Douglas was 
so inveterate, that, numerous as their allies were, and dis- 
regarded as the regal authority had usually been in similar 
cases, their nearest friends, even in the most remote parts of 
Scotland, durst not entertain them, unless under the strictest 
and closest disguise. James Douglas, son of the banished Earl 
of Angus, afterwards well known by the title of Eail of Morton. 



CANTO SECOND 93 

Even the rude refuge we have here ? 

Alas, this wild marauding Chief 

Alone might hazard our relief, 

And now thy maiden charms expand, 

Looks for his guerdon in thy hand ; 235 

Full soon may dispensation sought, 

To back his suit, from Rome be brought. 

Then, though an exile on the hill. 

Thy father, as the Douglas, still 

Be held in reverence and fear ; 240 

And though to Roderick thou 'rt so dear 

That thou mightst guide with silken thread, 

Slave of thy will, this chieftain dread. 

Yet, loved maid, thy mirth refrain ! 

Thy hand is on a lion's mane/ — 245 

XIII. 

^ Minstrel,' the maid replied, and high 
Her father's soul glanced from her eye, 
' My debts to Roderick's house I know : 

lurked, duriug the exile of his family, in the north of Scotland, 
under the assnraed name of James Innes, otherwise James the 
Grieve {i.e., Reve or Bailiff). ' And as he bore the name,' says 
Godscroft, ' so did he also execute the office of a grieve or over- 
seer of the lands and rents, the corn and cattle of him with 
whom he lived.' From the habits of frugality and observation 
which he acquired in his humble situation, the historian traces 
that intimate acquaintance with popular character, which 
enabled him to rise so high in the state, and that honorable 
economy by which he repaired and established the shattered 
estates of Angus and Morton." — Scott. 

235. guerdon, reward. 

236. dispensation, permission granted by the Pope. 



9'4: THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

All that a mother could bestow 

To Lady Margaret's care I owe, 250 

Since first an orphan in the wild 

She sorrowed o'er her sister's child ; 

To her brave chieftain son, from ire 

Of Scotland's king who shrouds my sire, 

A deeper, holier debt is owed ; 255 

And, could I pay it with my blood, 

Allan ! Sir Koderick should command 

My blood, my life, — but not my hand. 

Eather will Ellen Douglas dwell 

A votaress in Maronnan's cell ; 260 

Rather through real jus beyond the sea, 

Seeking the world's cold charity, 

Where ne'er was spoke a Scottish word, 

And ne'er the name of Douglas heard, 

An outcast pilgrim will she rove, 265 

Than wed the man she cannot love. 

XIV. 

' Thou shak'st, good friend, thy tresses gray, — 

That pleading look, what can it say 

But what I own ? — I grant him brave. 

But wild as Bracklinn's thundering wave ; 270 



254. shrouds, protects. 

260. votaress. A woman devoted to any particular service 
or worship. Maronnan. " The parish of Kilmaronock, at the 
eastern extremity of Loch Lomond ; it derives its name from a 
cell or chapel, dedicated to Saint Maronnan." — Scott. 

270. Bracklinn, a mountain cataract near the village of Cal- 
lander. 



CANTO SECOND 95 

And generous, — save vindictive mood 
Or jealous transport chafe his blood : 
I grant him true to friendly band, 
As his claymore is to his hand ; 
But ! that very blade of steel 275 

More mercy for a foe would feel : 
I grant him liberal, to fling 
Among his clan the wealth they bring. 
When back by lake and glen they wind. 
And in the Lowland leave behind, 280 

Where once some pleasant hamlet stood, 
A mass of ashes slaked with blood. 
The hand that for my father fought 
I honor, as his daughter ought ; 
But can I clasp it reeking red 285 

From peasants slaughtered in their shed ? 
No ! wildly while his virtues gleam. 
They make his passions darker seem, 
And flash along his spirit high. 
Like lightning o'er the midnight sky. 290 

While yet a child, — and children know. 
Instinctive taught, the friend and foe, — 
I shuddered at his brow of gloom, 
His shadowy plaid and sable plume ; 
A maiden grown, I ill could bear 295 

His haughty mien and lordly air : 
But, if thou join'st a suitor's claim, 
In serious mood, to Roderick's name, 
I thrill with anguish ! or, if e'er 
282. slaked, drenched. 



96 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

A Douglas knew the word, with fear. aoo 

To change such odious theme were best, — 
What think'st thou of our stranger guest ? ' — 

XV. 

^ What think I of him ? — woe the while 

That brought such wanderer to our isle ! 

Thy father's battle-brand, of yore 305 

For Tine-man forged by fairy lore, 

What time he leagued, no longer foes. 

His Border spears with Hotspur's bows. 

Did, self-unscabbarded, foreshow 

The footstep of a secret foe. 3io 

If courtly spy hath harbored here, 

What may we for the Douglas fear ? 

What for this island, deemed of old 

CI an- Alpine's last and surest hold ? 

If neither spy nor foe, I pray 315 

What yet may jealous Eoderick say? — 

Nay, wave not thy disdainful head ! 

Bethink thee of the discord dread 

That kindled when at Beltane game 

305. yore, former times. 

306. Tine-man. " Archibald, the third Earl of Dou.olas, was 
so unfortunate in all his enterprises that he acquired the epi- 
thet of Tine-man, because he lined, or lost, his followers in 
every battle which he fought." — Scott. 

307. What time, at the time when, leagued, joined. 

308. Hotspur's bows. Douglas formed an alliance with the 
English bowmen under Percy, the Hotspur of Shakespeare's 
Henry IV. 

309. self-unscabbarded. Cf. Canto I. 11. 536-^37. 

319. Beltane game. May-day games. See note on 1. 410, below. 



CANTO SECOND 97 

Thou ledst the dance with Malcolm Graeme ; 320 

Still, though thy sire the peace renewed, 

Smoulders in Roderick's breast the feud : 

Beware ! — But hark ! what songs are these ? 

My dull ears catch no faltering breeze, 

No weeping birch nor aspens wake, 325 

Nor breath is dimpling in the lake ; 

Still is the canna's hoary beard, 

Yet, by my minstrel faith, I heard — 

And hark again ! some pipe of war 

Sends the bold pibroch from afar.' 330 

XVI. 

Ear up the lengthened lake were spied 

Four darkening specks upon the tide, 

That, slow enlarging on the view, 

Four manned and masted barges grew. 

And, bearing downwards from Glengyle, 335 

Steered full upon the lonely isle ; 

The point of Brianchoil they passed. 

And, to the windward as they cast. 

Against the sun they gave to shine 

327. canna, a plant with large leaves. 

333. That . . . grew. Construe: " That (namely the specA's) 
growing larger as they slowly approached, became four manned 
and masted barges." 

335. Glengyle, the glen or valley at the western extremity 
of Loch Katrine. It contains the ruins of a castle, a former 
stronghold of the Macgregors. 

337. Brianchoil, a point on the southern side of the lake. 

338. to the windward as they cast, as they brought round 
the side of the boat to the wind. 



98 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

The bold Sir Eoderick's bannered Pine. 340 

Nearer and nearer as they bear, 

Spears, pikes, and axes flash in air. 

Now might you see the tartans brave, 

And plaids and plumage dance and wave : 

Now see the bonnets sink and rise, 345 

As his tough oar the rower plies ; 

See, flashing at each sturdy stroke, 

The wave ascending into smoke ; 

See the proud pipers on the bow, 

And mark the gaudy streamers flow 350 

From their loud chanters down^ and sweep 

The furrowed bosom of the deep, 

As, rushing through the lake amain. 

They plied the ancient Highland strain. 

XVII. 

Ever, as on they bore, more loud 355 

And louder rung the pibroch proud. 

343. brave, grand, showy. See Canto I. note 1. 24. 

350. mark, like see in the preceding line, is the infinitive, 
complement to might. 

351. chanters. The chanter is the flutelike tube of the bag- 
pipe on which the tune is played ; but the chanters is the name 
sometimes applied to the pipes collectively, and hence to the 
whole instrument. 

356. pibroch. Literally p«pe-ni?f.s/c, but specially a Highland 
martial air in which varying moods and passions are expressed. 
"Some of these pibrochs," says Dr. Beattie, "being intended 
to represent a battle, begin with a grave motion resembling a 
march ; then gradually quicken into the onset ; run off with 
noisy confusion and turbulent rapidity to imitate the conflict 
and pursuit ; then swell into a few flourishes of triumphant joy ; 
and perhaps close with the wild and slow wailings of a funeral 



CANTO SECOND 99 

At first the sounds, by distance tame, 

Mellowed along the waters came, 

And, lingering long by cape and bay, 

Wailed every harsher note away, 360 

Then bursting bolder on the ear, 

The clan's shrill Gathering they could hear, 

Those thrilling sounds that call the might 

Of old Clan- Alpine to the fight. 

Thick beat the rapid notes, as when 365 

The mustering hundreds shake the glen, 

And hurrying at the signal dread, 

The battered earth returns their tread. 

Then prelude light, of livelier tone. 

Expressed their merry marching on, 370 

Ere peal of closing battle rose. 

With mingled outcry, shrieks, and blows ; 

And mimic din of stroke and ward, 

As broadsword upon target jarred; 

And groaning pause, ere yet again, 375 

procession." The traiisitious of feeling are vividly described in 
the succeeding verses. 

362. Gathering, the war cry or gathering word of the clan ; 
the slogan. 

373. Mimic din, the din of battle imitated by the bagpipe. 
Din, pause, charge, shout, retreat, and bursts are nominatives 
in apposition with all: " all were there." Ward, parry. The 
same word as guard, which is a Norman-French modification of 
the root. Such double forms are common, the one taken direct 
from Anglo-Saxon, the other through the medium of French; 
e.g., ward, A.-S. loearcf; guard, ¥r. garde ; wise (manner), A.-S. 
wise ; guise, Fr. guise : wage, A.-S. loed ; gage, Fr. gage. Legal 
and loyal, regal and royal, the first forms coming from Latin 
direct, the second through the medium of French, present a 
similar phenomenon. _ 



loo THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Condensed, the battle yelled amain: 
The rapid charge, the rallying shout, 
Retreat borne headlong into rout, 
And bursts of triumph, to declare 
Clan- Alpine's conquest — all were there. 380 
Nor ended thus the strain, but slow- 
Sunk in a moan prolonged and low, 
And changed the conquering clarion swell 
For wild lament o'er those that fell. 

XVIII. 

The war-pipes ceased, but lake and hill 385 

Were busy with their echoes still ; 

And, when they slept, a vocal strain 

Bade their hoarse chorus wake again. 

While loud a hundred clansmen raise 

Their voices in their Chieftain's praise. 31K) 

Each boatman, bending to his oar, 

With measured sweep the burden bore. 

In such wild cadence as the breeze 

392. With measured sweep the burden bore, made his singing 
and his rowing keep time, so that tlie strokes of the oar marked 
the beats in the rhythm of the song. Cf.: 
" Faintly as tolls the evening chime. 
Our voices keep tune, and our oars keep time." 

— Mooi^e. 
burden, the burden or chorus of a song. This word — which 
is from O. Fr. bourdon, the bass or drone of a bagpipe — was 
confounded with the word burden, a load, which is from A.-S. 
bsran, to bear. The confusion is as old as Chaucer : 
" This sompnour bar to him a stiff burdoun.''^ 

— Prol. Canterbury/ Tales, 1. 678. 

" Burden bore " is an example of alliteration. 



CANTO SECOND 101 

Makes through December's leafless trees. 

The chorus first could Allan know, 395 

' Roderick Vich Alpine, ho ! iro ! ' 

And near, and nearer as they rowed. 

Distinct the martial ditty flowed. 

XIX. 
BOAT SONG 

Hail to the Chief who in triumph advances ! 

Honored and blessed be the ever-green Pine ! 400 
Long may the tree, in his banner that glances, 
Flourish, the shelter and grace of our line ! 

Heaven send it happy dew, 

Earth lend it sap anew, 
Gayly to bourgeon and broadly to grow, 4or. 

While every Highland glen 

Sends our shout back again, 
' Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho ! ieroe ! ' 

399. Hail, a salutation or exclamation wishing health to the 
person addressed. It is properly a noun [A.-S. 7**(eZ?/, health; 
Lat. salus], and may be qualified by an adjective: 

" All hail, Macbeth '. hail to thee thane of Glamis." 

— Macheth, I. iii. 48. 

In " Hail to thee ! " and " Hail to the Chief! " there is proba- 
bly an ellipsis of the verb he. Shakespeare, however, turns it 
into a verb in: "Came missives from the king, who all-hailed 
me, ' Thane of Cawdor ! ' " Health, whole, hale, are from the 
same root as this word. Hail, to call, is from a different root 
[Low Ger. anhalen ; Dutch, haleti]. 

402. shelter and grace, nominatives in apposition with Tree. 
Our line is our clan or family. 

405. bourgeon, to bud. [Fr. bourgeon, a shoot or bud.] 

408. Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, Black Rhoderick, of the 
family of Alpine. Dhu in Gaelic is hlackf and Vich is son of. 



102 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Ours is no sapling, chance-sown by the fountain, 

Blooming at Beltane, in winter to fade ; 4io 

When the whirlwind has stripped every leaf on the 
mountain, 
The more shall Clan- Alpine exult in her shade. 
Moored in the rifted rock, 
Proof to the tempest's shock. 
Firmer he roots him the ruder it blow ; 415 

Menteith and Breadalbane, then, 
Echo his praise again, 
' Koderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho ! ieroe ! ' 

410. Beltane, Whitsuntide, from a festival held by ancient 
custom, in the rural districts of Scotland, on the first day of 
May, O. S. In Scotland cakes are baked for the occasion ; which 
seem (according- to Jamieson) to have been an offering to some 
Druidical deity. In Ireland, Beltane is celebrated on the 21st 
of June, by lighting fires on the tops of hills, through which 
every member of the family is made to pass, to insure good ft)r- 
tune for the rest of the year. [Gael, and Ir. Beil, Baal, the 
sun ; and tein, fire.] 

415. Firmer he roots him the ruder it blow. He plants him- 
self the more firmly the more violently the wind blows. Cf. 
what Cowper says of the oak : 

" The monarch owes 
His firm stability to what he seems — 
More fixed beloto, the more diatarhed ahote.'''' 

The in " the more" is not the article, but an adverb. It is 
the old ablative of the demonstrative [A.-S. the]. In Latin, 
" the ruder the firmer" would be, "quo vehementius, eo fir- 
mius." Quo . . . eo was in Anglo-Saxon the . . . the. Root-'< 
him is here a reflexive verb for " fixes his roots." It blow uui- 
personal and subjunctive. 

416. Menteith and Breadalbane. Menteith is the vale named 
after the Lake of Menteith, to the south of Loch Vennachar. 
Breadalbane is the district on the southern and eastern banks 
of Loch Tay. 

417. Echo. Imperative, third person plural. 



CANTO SECOND 103 

XX. 

Proudly our pibroch has thrilled in Glen Fruin, 

And Bannochar's groans to our slogan replied 5 420 

Glen Luss and Ross-dhu, they are smoking in ruin, 

And the best of Loch Lomond lie dead on her side. 

Widow and Saxon maid 

Long shall lament our raid, 
Tliink of Clan- Alpine with fear and with woe ; 425 

Lennox and Leven-glen 

Shake when they hear again, 
^ Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho ! ieroe ! ' 

Row, vassals, row, for the pride of the Highlands ! 
Stretch to your oars for the ever-green Pine ! 430 
that the rosebud that graces yon islands 

Were wreathed in a garland around him to twine ! 

that some seedling gem, 

AVorthy such noble stem. 
Honored and blessed in their shadow might grow ! 

Loud should Clan-Alpine then 436 

Ring from her deepmost glen, 
' Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho ! ieroe ! ' 

XXI. 

With all her joyful female band 

Had Lady Margaret sought the strand. 440 

Loose on the breeze their tresses flew. 

And high their snowy arms they threw, 

As echoing back with shrill acclaim, 

And chorus wild, the Chieftain's name ; 



104 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

While, prompt to please, with mother's art, 445 

The darling passion of his heart, 

The Dame called Ellen to the strand. 

To greet her kinsman ere he land : 

* Come, loiterer, come! a Douglas thou, 

And shun to wreathe a victor's brow ? ' 450 

Keluctantly and slow, the maid 

The unwelcome summoning obeyed, 

And when a distant bugle rung, 

In the mid-path aside she sprung : — 

' List, Allan-bane ! From mainland cast 455 

I hear my father's signal blast. 

Be ours,' she cried, ' the skiff to guide, 

And waft him from the mountain-side.' 

Then, like a sunbeam, swift and bright. 

She darted to her shallop light, 460 

And, eagerly while Roderick scanned, 

For her dear form, his mother's band, 

The islet far behind her lay, 

And she had landed in the bay. 

XXII. 

Some feelings are to mortals given 465 

With less of earth in them than heaven ; 

449. a Douglas thou, And shun. Elliptical and exclamatory, 
for *^ Art thou a Douglas, and dost thou shun?" But the 
construction implies a closer interdependence than this: "If 
you shun to wreathe a victor's brow, are you a Douglas? " 
" Is it worthy of a Douglas to shun ? " etc. 

457. Be ours. Let it be our duty, our part. A classical 
idiom, as in " sit nobis," let it be our duty. 



CANTO SECOND 105 

And if there be a human tear 

From passion's dross refined and clear, 

A tear so limpid and so meek 

It would not stain an angel's cheek, 470 

'T is that which pious fathers shed 

Upon a dutious daughter's head ! 

And as the Douglas to his breast 

His darling Ellen closely pressed. 

Such holy drops her tresses steeped, 475 

Though 't was an hero's eye that weeped. 

Nor while on Ellen's faltering tongue 

Her filial welcomes crowded hung, 

Marked she that fear — affection's proof — 

Still held a graceful youth aloof ; 480 

No ! not till Douglas named his name, 

Although the youth was Malcolm Grseme. 

XXIII. 

Allan, with wistful look the while. 

Marked Roderick landing on the isle ; 

His master piteously he eyed, 485 

Then gazed upon the Chieftain's pride, 

Then dashed with hasty hand away 

473. the Douglas. This Douglas, afterwards particularized 
as Lord James Douglas of Bothwell, is a fictitious character; 
but he has his prototype in Archibald Douglas of Kilspindie, 
uncle of the Earl of Angus, who was banished by James V. on 
his recovering his personal freedom and assuming the govern- 
ment in 1528. Kilspindie, like the Douglas of the poem, had 
been James's instructor in manly exercises in his youth. This, 
however, did not save him from being cruelly spurned by James 
on his return from exile. 



106 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

From his dimmed eye the gathering spray ; 

And Douglas, as his hand he laid 

On Malcolm's shoulder, kindly said : 4iK) 

' Canst thou, young friend, no meaning spy 

In my poor follower's glistening eye ? 

I '11 tell thee : — he recalls the day 

When in my praise he led the lay 

O'er the arched gate of Bothwell proud, 495 

While many a minstrel answered loud, 

When Percy's Norman pennon, won 

In bloody field, before me shone. 

And twice ten knights, the least a name 

As mighty as yon Chief may claim, coo 

Gracing my pomp, behind me came. 

Yet trust me, Malcolm, not so proud 

Was I of all that marshalled crowd, 

Though the waned crescent owned my might. 

And in my train trooped lord and knight, 505 

Though Blantyre hymned her holiest lays, 

And Bothwell's bards flung back my praise, 

As when this old man's silent tear, 

And this poor maid's affection dear, 

A welcome give more kind and true 510 

Than aught my better fortunes knew. 

Forgive, my friend, a father's boast, — 

O, it out-beggars all I lost ! ' 



504. waned crescent, the coguizance of the house of Buc- 
cleugh, who had endeavored, unsuccessfully, to set the king 
free from the Douglases. 

506. Blantyre. The priory near Bothwell Castle. 



515 



520 



525 



CANTO SECOND 10 « 

XXIV. 

Delightful praise ! —like summer rose, 
That brighter in the dew-drop glows, 
The bashful maiden's cheek appeared, 
For Douglas spoke, and Malcolm heard. 
The flush of shame-faced joy to hide. 
The hounds, the hawk, her cares divide ; 
The loved caresses of the maid 
The dogs with crouch and whimper paid ; 
And, at her whistle, on her hand 
The falcon took his favorite stand. 
Closed his dark wing, relaxed his eye, 
Nor, though unhooded, sought to fly. 
And, trust, while in such guise she stood, 
Like fabled Goddess of the wood. 
That if a father's partial thought 
O'erweighed her worth and beauty aught, 
Well might the lover's judgment fail 
To balance with a juster scale ; 
For with each secret glance he stole ; 
The fond enthusiast sent his soul. 

XXV. 

Of stature fair, and slender frame, 

But firmly knit, was Malcolm Graeme. 535 

The belted plaid and tartan hose 

Did ne'er more graceful limbs disclose ; 

525 unhooded. Falcons were kept with their heads hooded, 
the uncovering of their heads being the signal for flight. 
527. Goddess of the wood. Diana. 



530 



108 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

His flaxen hair, of sunny hue, 
Curled closely round his bonnet blue. 
Trained to the chase, his eagle eye 540 

The ptarmigan in snow could spy ; 
Each pass, by mountain, lake, and heath, 
He knew, through Lennox and Menteith ; 
Vain was the bound of dark-brown doe 
When Malcolm bent his sounding bow, 545 

And scarce that doe, though winged with fear. 
Outstripped in speed the mountaineer : 
Right up Ben Lomond could he press, 
And not a sob his toil confess. 
His form accorded with a mind 550 

Lively and ardent, frank and kind ; 
A blither heart, till Ellen came. 
Did never love nor sorrow tame ; 
It danced as lightsome in his breast 
. As played the feather on his crest. 555 

Yet friends, who nearest knew the youth, 
His scorn of wrong, his zeal for truth, 
And bards, who saw his features bold 
When kindled by the tales of old, 
Said, were that youth to manhood grown, 560 
Not long should Roderick Dhu's renown 
Be foremost voiced by mountain fame, 
But quail to that of Malcolm Grseme. 

541. ptarmigan, a kind of quail which, brown in summer, 
turns white or nearly white in winter. 



CANTO SECOND 109 

XXVI. 

Now back they wend their watery way, 

And, ' my sire ! ' did Ellen say', 565 

* Why urge thy chase so far astray ? 

And why so late returned ? And why ' — 

The rest was in her speaking eye. 

' My child, the chase I follow far, 

'T is mimicry of noble war; 570 

And with that gallant pastime reft 

Were all of Douglas I have left. 

I met young Malcolm as I strayed 

Far eastward, in Glenfinlas' shade ; 

Nor strayed I safe, for all around 575 

Hunters and horsemen scoured the ground. 

This youth, though still a royal ward, 

Ilisked life and land to be my guard, 

A^id through the passes of the wood 

Guided my steps, not unpursued ; 580 

And Roderick shall his welcome make, 

Despite old spleen, for Douglas' sake. 

Then must he seek Strath-Endrick glen, 

Nor peril aught for me again.' 

571. with . . .left. Construe: "All (that) I have left of 
Douo-las were (would be) reft (taken away) with that gallant 
pastime (if that gallant pastime were taken away)." 

574. Glenfinlas. The valley on the east of Ben-an, 

577. royal ward, under the guardianship of the king. 

58.1. Strath-Endrick glen. A valley watered by the End rick, 
which flows into Loch Lomond, fifteen miles south of Loch 
Katrine. 

584. peril, risk, aught. The objective or accusative of 
reference — " in any respect." 



110 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

XXVII. 

Sir Roderick, who to meet them came, 585 

Reddened at sight of Malcolm Graeme, 

Yet, not in action, word, or eye, 

Failed aught in hospitality. 

In talk and sport they whiled away 

The morning of that summer day ; 590 

But at high noon a courier light 

Held secret parley with the knight. 

Whose moody aspect soon declared 

That evil were the news he heard. 

Deep thought seemed toiling in his head ; 595 

Yet was the evening banquet made 

Ere he assembled round the flame 

His mother, Douglas, and the Gramme, 

And Ellen too ; then cast around 

His eyes, then fixed them on the ground, - 600 

As studying phrase that might avail 

Best to convey unpleasant tale. 

Long with his dagger's hilt he played. 

Then raised his haughty brow, and said : — 

XXVIII. 

^ Short be my speech ; — nor time affords, 605 
Nor my plain temper, glozing words. 

599. then cast. Supply he as nominative to cast. 
601. As studying. Elliptical, for " As if he were studying." 
The full construction is, " As he would do if he were studying." 
606. glozing, glossing over. Cf . Milton's Comus, line 161 : 
' ' well-placed words of gloring courtesy, ' ' 



CANTO SECOND 111 

Kinsman and father, — if such name 

Douglas vouchsafe to Koclerick's claim ; 

Mine honored mother ; — Ellen, — why, 

My cousin, turn away thine eye ? — 6io 

And Grsenie, in whom I hope to know 

Full soon a noble friend or foe, 

Wheii age shall give thee thy command, 

And leading in thy native land, — 

List all ! — The King's vindictive pride 615 

Boasts to have tamed the Border-side, 

Where chiefs, with hound and hawk who came 

To share their monarch's sylvan game, 

Themselves in bloody toils were snared, 

And when the banquet they prepared, 620 

And wide their loyal portals flung. 

O'er their own gateway struggling hung. 

Loud cries their blood from Meggat's mead, 

From Yarrow braes and banks of Tweed, 

Where the lone streams of Ettrick glide, 625 

And from the silver Teviot's side ; 

The dales, where martial clans did ride. 

Are now one sheep-walk, waste and wide. 

This tyrant of the Scottish throne, 

616. tamed the Border-side, " In 1529 James made a conven- 
tion at Edinburgh for the purpose of considering the best mode 
of quelling the Border robbers, who, during the license of his 
minority and the troubles which followed, had committed many 
exorbitances." — Scott. He scoured Ettrick Forest, and put to 
death many of the leaders of the bandits. 

623-626. The Meggat flows into the Yarrow, the Yarrow into 
the Ettrick, and the Ettrick and the Teviot rivers flow into 
the Tweed. 



112. THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

So faithless and so ruthless known, 630 

Now hither comes ; his end the same, 

The same pretext of sylvan game. 

What grace for Highland Chiefs, judge ye 

By fate of Border chivahy. 

Yet more; amid Glenlinlas' green, 635 

Douglas, thy stately form was seen. 

This by espial sure I know: 

Your counsel in the streight I show.' 

XXIX. 

Ellen and Margaret fearfully 

Sought comfort in each other's eye, 640 

Then turned their ghastly look, each one, 

This to her sire, that to her son. 

The hasty color went and came 

In the bold cheek of Malcolm Graeme, 

But from his glance it well appeared 645 

'T was but for Ellen that he feared ; 

While, sorrowful, but undismayed. 

The Douglas thus his counsel said : 

* Brave Eoderick, though the tempest roar. 

It may but thunder and pass o'er ; 650 

Nor will I here remain an hour. 

To draw the lightning on thy bower ; 

For well thou know'st, at this gray head 

The royal bolt were fiercest sped. 

For thee, who, at thy King's command, 655 

637. espial, watching, observation. 

638. streight, strait, emergency. 



CANTO SECOND 113 

Canst aid him with a gallant band, 

Submission, homage, humbled pride. 

Shall turn the Monarch's wrath aside. 

Poor remnants of the Bleeding Heart, 

Kllen and I will seek apart 660 

The refuge of some forest cell, 

There, like the hunted quarry, dwell, 

Till on the mountain and the moor 

The stern pursuit be passed and o'er,' — 



*Ko, by mine honor,' Roderick said, 665 

' So help me Heaven, and my good blade ! 

No, never ! Blasted be yon Pine, 

My father's ancient crest and mine. 

If from its shade in danger part 

The lineage of the Bleeding Heart! 670 

Hear my blunt speech ; grant me this maid 

To wife, thy counsel to mine aid ; 

To Douglas, leagued with Roderick Dhu, 

Will friends and allies flock enow ; 

Like cause of doubt, distrust, and grief, 675 

Will bind to us each Western Chief. 

When the loud pipes my bridal tell, 

The Links of Forth shall hear the knell, 

666. So help me Heaven. In point of fact, a clause of condi- 
tion — " If Heaven help me so " (or to that extent). 

672. To wife, for wife. Compare — "We have Abraham to 
our father " (Matthew iii. 9) ; and Latin, " Est nobis patri." 

674. enow, enough. [Sc. eneuch.'] 

678. The Links of Forth. The vale of the Forth below Stir- 



114 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

The guards shall start in Stirling's porch ; 

And when I light the nuptial torch, 680 

A thousand villages in flames 

Shall scare the slumbers of King James ! — 

Nay, Ellen, blench not thus away, 

And, mother, cease these signs, I pray ; 

I meant not all my heat might say. — 685 

Small need of inroad or of fight. 

When the sage Douglas may unite 

Each mountain clan in friendly band. 

To guard the passes of their land. 

Till the foiled King from pathless glen 690 

Shall bootless turn him home again.' 

XXXI. 

There are who have, at midnight hour, 

In slumber scaled a dizzy tower, 

And, on the verge that beetled o'er 

The ocean tide's incessant roar, 695 

Dreamed calmly out their dangerous dream, 

Till wakened by the morning beam ; 

When, dazzled by the eastern glow, 

Such startler cast his glance below, 

And saw unmeasured depth around, 700 

And heard unintermxitted sound. 

And thought the battled fence so frail, 

ling. Links means the windings of a river. [Ger. lenken, to 
bend or wind.] 

692. There are who. There are persons who. 

694. beetled o'er. Hung over, like the head of a beetle — 
either the insect so called, or a mallet used for beating. 



CANTO SECOND 115 

It waved like cobweb in the gale ; — 

Amid his senses' giddy wheel, 

Did he not desperate impulse feel, 705 

Headlong to plunge himself below, 

And meet the worst his fears foreshow ? — • 

Thus Ellen, dizzy and astound, 

As sudden ruin yawned around, 

By crossing terrors wildly tossed, 710 

Still for the Douglas fearing most. 

Could scarce the desperate thought withstand, 

To buy his safety with her hand. 

XXXII. 

Such purpose dread could Malcolm spy 

In Ellen's quivering lip and eye, 715 

And eager rose to speak, — but ere 

His tongue could hurry forth his fear, 

Had Douglas marked the hectic strife, 

Where death seemed combating with life ; 

For to her cheek, in feverish flood, 720 

One instant rushed the throbbing blood, 

708. astound, for astounded. 

718. hectic. Gk. ektiko? (hectikos), habitual; eft? (hexis), 
habit; ex^Lv (ekheiii), to have, to be. It was originally used as 
an adjective, " the hectic fever," meaning the habitual or con- 
stitutional fever. Then, as in so many similar phrases, 
"fever" was dropped, and we find in Shakespeare, "For like 
the hectic in my blood he rages " (Hamlet, IV. iii. 68). Later on 
the word becomes an adjective again, with the sense "fever- 
ish," "hot," "flushed," especial reference being made to the 
fever of debility and exhaustion. Here it is applied to the 
alternate redness and paleness of Ellen's cheek. 



116 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Then ebbing back, with sudden sway, 

Left its domain as wan as clay. 

* Eoderick, enough ! enough ! ' he cried, 

' My daughter cannot be thy bride ; 725 

Not that the blush to wooer dear, 

Nor paleness that of maiden fear. 

It may not be, — forgive her, Chief, 

Nor hazard aught for our relief. 

Against his sovereign, Douglas ne'er 730 

Will level a rebellious spear. 

'T was I that taught his youthful hand 

To rein a steed and wield a brand ; 

I see him yet, -the princely boy ! 

Not Ellen more my pride and joy ; 735 

I love him still, despite my wrongs 

By hasty wrath and slanderous tongues. 

0, seek the grace you well may find. 

Without a cause to mine combined ! ' 

XXXIII. 

Twice through the hall the Chieftain strode ; 740 

The waving of his tartans broad, 

And darkened brow, where wounded pride 

With ire and disappointment vied, 

Seemed, by the torch's gloomy light, 

Like the ill Demon of the night, 745 

Stooping his pinions' shadowy sway 

726. Not that, that is not. 

735. Not Ellen more. Ellen is not more. 

743. vied, contended. 



CANTO SECOND 117 

Upon the nighted pilgrim's way : 

But, unrequited Love ! thy dart 

Plunged deepest its envenomed smart, 

And Roderick, with thine anguish stung, 750 

At length the hand of Douglas wrung, 

While eyes that mocked at tears before 

With bitter drops were running o'er. 

The death-pangs of long-cherished hope 

Scarce in that ample breast had scope, 7o5 

But, struggling with his spirit proud, 

Convulsive heaved its checkered shroud, 

W^hile every sob — so mute were all — 

Was heard distinctly through the hall. 

The son's despair, the mother's look, 760 

111 might the gentle Ellen brook ; 

She rose, and to her side there came. 

To aid her parting steps, the Graeme. 

XXXIV. 

Then Roderick from the Douglas broke — 
As flashes flame through sable smoke, 765 

Kindling its wreaths, long, dark, and low, 
To one broad blaze of ruddy glow. 
So the deep anguish of despair 
Burst, in fierce jealousy, to air. 
With stalwart grasp his haud he laid 770 

On Malcolm's breast and belted plaidr: 

747. nighted, benighted. 

749. envenomed, poisoned. 

757. checkered shroud, his tartan plaid. 



118 rilE LADY OF THE LAKE 

'Back, beardless boy ! ' he sternly said, 

* Back, minion ! holdst thou thus at naught 

The lesson I so lately taught ? 

This roof, the Douglas, and that maid, 775 

Thank thou for punishment delayed.' 

Eager as greyhound on his game, 

Fiercely with Roderick grappled Graeme. 

' Perish my name, if aught aiford 

Its Chieftain safety save his sword ! ' 780 

Thus as they strove their desperate hand 

Griped to the dagger or the brand. 

And death had been — but Douglas rose, 

And thrust between the struggling foes 

His giant strength : — ' Chieftains, forego ! 785 

I hold the first who strikes my foe. — 

Madmen, forbear your frantic jar ! 

What ! is the Douglas fallen so far, 

His daughter's hand is deemed the spoil 

Of such dishonorable broil ? ' 790 

Sullen and slowly they unclasp. 

As struck with shame, their desperate grasp. 

And each upon his rival glared. 

With foot advanced and blade half bared. 

XXXV. 

Ere yet the brands aloft were flung, 705 

Margaret on Roderick's mantle hung, 
And Malcolm heard his Ellen's scream, 
As faltered through terrific dream. 

773. minion, a dependant. 



(J AN TO SECOND 119 

Then Roderick plunged in sheath his sword, 

And veiled his wrath in scornful word : 800 

'Rest safe till morning; pity 't were 

Such cheek should feel the midnight air ! 

Then mayst thou to James Stuart tell, 

Roderick will keep the lake and fell. 

Nor lackey with his freeborn clan 805 

The pageant pomp of earthly man. 

More would he of Clan- Alpine know, 

Thou canst our strength and passes show. — 

Malise, what ho ! ' — his henchman came : 

' Give our safe-conduct to the Graeme.' 810 

Young Malcolm answered, calm and bold : 

' Fear nothing for thy favorite hold ; 

The spot an angel deigned to grace 

Is blessed, though robbers haunt the place. 

Thy churlish courtesy for those 815 

Reserve, who fear to be thy foes. 

As safe to me the mountain way 

At midnight as in blaze of day. 

Though with his boldest at his back 

Even Roderick Dhu beset the track. — 820 

Brave Douglas, — lovely Ellen, — nay, 

Naught here of parting will I say. 

805. lackey. Here, serve as lackey. 

809. henchman. " This officer is a sort of secretary, and is 
to be ready, upon all occasions, to venture his life in defense 
of his master ; and at drinking-bouts he stands behind his 
seat, at his haunch, from which his title is derived, and watches 
the conversation, to see if any one offends his patron," — 
Scott. 



120 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Earth does not hold a lonesome glen 

So secret but we meet again. — 

Chieftain ! we too shall find an hour,' — 825 

He said, and left the sylvan bower. 

XXXVI. 

Old Allan followed to the strand — 

Such was the Douglas's command — 

And anxious told, how, on the morn. 

The stern Sir Eoderick deep had sworn, 830 

The Fiery Cross should circle o'er 

Dale, glen, and valley, down and moor. 

Much were the peril to the Graeme 

From those who to the signal came ; 

Far up the lake 't were safest land, 835 

Himself would row him to the strand. 

He gave his counsel to the wind. 

While Malcolm did, unheeding, bind. 

Bound dirk and pouch and broadsword rolled, 

His ample plaid in tightened fold, 840 

And stripped his limbs to such array 

As best might suit the watery way, — 

XXXVIT. 

Then spoke abrupt : ' Farewell to thee, 

Pattern of old fidelity ! ' 

The Minstrel's hand he kindly pressed, — 845 

^ 0, could I point a place of rest ! 

My sovereign holds in ward my land, 

My uncle leads my vassal band ; 



CANTO SECOND 121 

To tame his foes, his friends to aid, 

Poor Malcolm has but heart and blade. 850 

Yet, if there be one faithful Graeme 

Who loves the chieftain of his name, 

Not long shall honored Douglas dwell 

Like hunted stag in mountain cell ; 

Nor, ere yon pride-swollen robber dare, — 855 

I may not give the rest to air ! 

Tell Roderick Dhu I owed him naught. 

Not the poor service of a boat. 

To waft me to yon mountain-side.' 

Then plunged he in the flashing tide. 860 

Bold o'er the flood his head he bore. 

And stoutly steered liim from the shore j 

And Allan strained his anxious eye, 

Far mid the lake his form to spy, 

Darkening across each puny wave, 865 

To which the moon her silver gave. 

Fast as the cormorant could skim, 

The swimmer plied each active limbj 

Then landing in the moonlight dell, 

Loud shouted of his weal to tell. 870 

The Minstrel heard the far halloo. 

And joyful from the shore withdrew. 

867. cormorant, a water bird, something like a crow. 



122 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 



CANTO THIED 
The Gathering 



Time rolls his ceaseless course. The race of yore, 

Who danced our infancy upon their knee, 
And told our marvelling boyhood legends store 

Of their strange ventures happed by land or 
sea, 

How are they blotted from the things that be ! 5 
How few, all weak and withered of their force, 

Wait on the verge of dark eternity, 
Like stranded wrecks, the tide returning hoarse. 
To sweep them from our sight! Time rolls his 
ceaseless course. 

Yet live there still who can remember well, 10 

How, when a mountain chief his bugle blew, 
Both field and forest, dingle, cliff, and dell, 

And solitary heath, the signal knew ; 

And fast the faithful clan around him drew, 
What time the warning note was keenly wound, 15 

What time aloft their kindred banner flew, 

4. happed, chanced. 



CANTO Till ED 123 

While clamorous war-pipes yelled the gathering 

sound, 
And while the Fiery Cross glanced, like a meteor, 

round. 

II. 

The Summer dawn's reflected hue 

To purple changed Loch Katrine blue ; 20 

Mildly and soft the western breeze 

Just kissed the lake, just stirred the trees, 

And the pleased lake, like maiden coy. 

Trembled but dimpled not for joy : 

The mountain shadows on her breast 25 

18. Fiery Cross. " When a chieftain designed to summon his 
clan, upon any sudden or Important emergency, he slew a goat, 
and making a cross of any light wood, seared its extremities in 
the fire, and extinguished them in the blood of the animal. 
This was called the Fiery Cross, also Cream Tarigh, or the 
Cross of Shame, because disobedience to what the symbol im- 
plied inferred infamy. It was delivered to a swift and trusty 
messenger, who ran full speed with it to the next hamlet, where 
he presented it to the principal person, with a single word, im- 
plying the place of rendezvous. He who received the symbol 
was bound to send it forward, with equal dispatch, to the next 
village ; and thus it passed with incredible celerity through all 
the district which owed allegiance to the chief, and also among 
his allies and neighbors, if the danger was common to them. 
At sight of the Fiery Cross, every man, from sixteen years old 
to sixty, capable of bearing arms, was obliged instantly to re- 
pair, in his best arms and accoutrements, to the place of rendez- 
vous. He who failed to appear, suffered the extremities of fire 
and sword, which were emblematically denounced to the diso- 
bedient by the bloody and burnt marks upon this warlike signal. 
During the civil war of 1745-1746, the Fiery Cross often made its 
circuit ; and upon one occasion it passed through the whole dis- 
trict of Breadalbane, a tract of thirty-two miles, in three 
hours."— *Sco«. 



124 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Were neither broken nor at rest ; 

In bright uncertainty they lie, 

Like future joys to Fancy's eye. 

The water-lily to the light 

Her chalice reared of silver bright ; 30 

The doe awoke, and to the lawn, 

Begemmed with dew-drops, led her fawn ; 

The gray mist left the mountain-side, 

The torrent showed its glistening pride ; 

Invisible in flecked sky 35 

The lark sent down her revelry ; 

The blackbird and the speckled thrush 

Good-morrow gave from brake and bush ; 

In answer cooed the cushat dove 

Her notes of peace and rest and love. 40 

III. 

No thought of peace, no thought of rest. 

Assuaged the storm in Eoderick's breast. 

With sheathed broadsword in his hand, 

Abrupt he paced the islet strand. 

And eyed the rising sun, and laid 45 

His hand on his impatient blade. 

Beneath a rock, his vassals' care 

Was prompt the ritnal to prepare. 

With deep and deathf ul meaning fraught ; 

30. chalice, cup. 

39. cushat dove, ring dove. 

46. impatient blade. By a kind of personification, the qual- 
ity of impatience, which belongs to the owner of the blade, is 
attributed to the blade itself. 



CANTO THIRD 125 

For such Antiquity had taught 50 

Was preface meet, ere yet abroad 

The Cross of Fire should take its road. 

The shrinking band stood oft aghast 

At the impatient glance he cast; — 

Such glance the mountain eagle threw, 55 

As, from the cliffs of Benvenue, 

She spread her dark sails on the wind, 

And, high in middle heaven reclined. 

With her broad shadow on the lake, 

Silenced the warblers of the brake. 60 

IVo 

A heap of withered boughs was piled, 
Of juniper and rowan wild. 
Mingled with shivers from the oak, 
Eent by the lightning's recent stroke. 
-iBrian the Hermit by it stood, 65 

Barefooted, in his frock and hood. 
His grizzled beard and matted hair 
Obscured a visage of despair ; 
His naked arms and legs, seamed o'er. 
The scars of frantic penance bore. 70 

That monk, of savage form and face, 



62. rowan. The rowan tree is the mountain ash; called also 
roan tree, and in Sc. roun tree. 

71. That monk, etc. "The state of religion in the Middle 
Ages afforded considerable facilities for those whose mode of 
life excluded them from regular worship, to secure, neverthe- 
less, the ghostly assistance of confessors, perfectly willing to 
adapt the nature of their doctrine to the necessities and peculiar 



126 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

The impending danger of liis race 

Had drawn from deepest solitude, 

Far in Benharrow's bosom rude. 

Not his the mien of Christian priest, 75 

But Druid's, from the grave released, 

Whose liardened heart and eye might brook 

On human sacrifice to look ; 

And much, 't was said, of heathen lore 

Mixed in the charms he muttered o'er. 80 

The hallowed creed gave only worse 

And deadlier emphasis of curse. 

No peasant sought that Hermit's prayer. 

His cave the pilgrim shunned with care ; 

The eager huntsman knew his bound, 85 

And in mid chase called off his hound ; 

Or if, in lonely glen or strath. 

The desert-dweller met his path. 

He prayed, and signed the cross between, 

While terror took devotion's mien. 90 

V. 

Of Brian's birth strange tales were told. 

His mother watched a midnight fold, 

Built deep within a dreary glen, 

Where scattered lay the bones of men 

In some forgotten battle slain, 95 

circumstances of their flock. Robin Hood, it is well known, 
had his celebrated domestic chaplain, Friar Tuck." — Scott. 

74. Benharrow, a mountain near Loch Lomond. 

76. Druid, a priest of the Celtic inhabitants of Britain. 

87. strath, a valley through which a river runs. 



CANTO THIRD 127 

And bleached by drifting wind and rain. 

It might have tamed a warrior's heart 

To view such mockery of his art ! 

The knot-grass fettered there the hand 

Which once could burst an iron band ; lOO 

Beneath the broad and ample bone, 

That bucklered heart to fear unknown, 

A feeble and a timorous guest, 

The fieldfare framed her lowly nest ; 

There the slow blindworm left his slime 105 

On the fleet limbs that mocked at time ; 

And there, too, lay the leader's skull, 

Still wreathed with chaplet, flushed and full, 

For heath-bell with her purple bloom 

Supplied the bonnet and the plume. no 

All night, in this sad glen, the maid 

Sat shrouded in her mantle's shade : 

She said no shepherd sought her side, 

No hunter's hand her snood untied, 

Yet ne'er again to braid her hair 115 

The virgin snood did Alice wear ; 

Gone was her maiden glee and sport, 

Her maiden girdle all too short, 

Nor sought she, from that fatal night, 

Or holy church or blessed rite, 120 

But locked her secret in her breast, 

And died in travail, unconfessed. 

99. knot-grass, a kind of weedy grass. 
104. fieldfare, a kind of thrush. 



128 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 
VI. 

Alone, among his young compeers, 

Was Brian from his infant years ; 

A moody and heart-broken boy, 125 

Estranged from sympathy and joy. 

Bearing each taunt which careless tongue 

On his mysterious lineage flung. 

Whole nights he spent by moonlight pale, 

To wood and stream his hap to wail, 130 

Till, frantic, he as truth received 

What of his birth the crowd believed, 

And sought, in miat and meteor fire. 

To meet and know his Phantom Sire ! 

In vain, to soothe his wayward fate, 135 

The cloister oped her pitying gate ; 

In vain the learning of the age 

Unclasped the sable-lettered page; 

Even in its treasures he could find 

Food for the fever of his mind. 140 

Eager he read whatever tells 

Of magic, cabala, and spells, 

And every dark pursuit allied 

To curious and presumptuous pride ; 

Till with fired brain and nerves o'erstrung, 145 

And heart with mystic horrors wrung, 

Desperate he sought Benharrow's den. 

And hid him from the haunts of men. 

138. sable-lettered, black-lettered, so called from the use of 
heavy faced type. 

142. cabala. Mystery. 



CANTO THIRD 129 

VII. 

The desert gave hiiii visions wild, 

Such as might suit the spectre's child. 150 

Where with black cliffs the torrents toil. 

He watched the wheeling eddies boil, 

Till from their foam his dazzled eyes 

Beheld the river Demon rise : 

The mountain mist took form and limb 155 

Of noontide hag or goblin grim ; 

The midnight wind came wild and dreadj 

Swelled with the voices of the dead ; 

Far on the future battle-heath 

His eye beheld the ranks of death : 160 

Thus the lone Seer, from mankind hurled, 

Shaped forth a disembodied world. 

One lingering sympathy of mind 

Still bound him to the mortal kind ; 

The only parent he could claim 165 

149-164. "In adopting the legend concerning the birth of the 
Founder of the Church of Kihnalie, the author has endeavored 
to trace the effects which such a belief was likely to produce, 
in a barbarous age, on the person to whom it related. It was a 
natural attribute of such a character as the supposed hermit, 
that he should credit the numerous superstitions with wliich 
the minds of ordinary Highlanders are almost always imbued. 
A few of these are slightly alluded to in this stanza. The River 
Demon, or River-horse, for it is that form which he commonly 
assumes, is the Kelpy of the Lowlands, an evil and malicious 
spirit, delighting to forebode and to witness calamity. The 
'noon-tide ha,g,' a tall, emaciated, gigantic, female figure, is 
supposed-' in particular to haunt the district of Knoidart. A 
goblin dressed in antique armor, and having one hand covered 
with blood, is a tenant of the forests of Glenmore and Rothio- 
murcus." — Scott 



130 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Of ancient Alpine's lineage came. 

Late had he heard, in prophet's dream, 

The fatal Ben-Shie's boding scream ; 

Sounds, too, had come in midnight blast 

Of charging steeds, careering fast 170 

Along Benharrow's shingly side. 

Where mortal horseman ne'er might ride; 

The thunderbolt had split the pine, — 

All augured ill to Alpine's line. 

He girt his loins, and came to show 175 

The signals of impending woe, 

And now stood prompt to bless or ban. 

As bade the Chieftain of his clan 



VIII. 

'T was all prepared ; — and from the rock 

A goat, the patriarch of the flock 180 

168. Ben-Shie. " Most great families in the Highlands were 
supposed to have a tutelar, or rather a domestic spirit, attached 
to them, who took an interest in their prosperity, and intimated 
by its wailings any approaching disaster. The Ben-Shie implies 
a female fairy, whose lamentations were often supposed to pre- 
cede the death of a chieftain of particular families." — Scott. 

169. Sounds, too, had come. " A presage of the kind alluded 
to in the text is still believed to announce death to the ancient 
Highland family of M'Lean of Lochbuy. The spirit of an ances- 
tor slain in battle is heard to gallop along a stony bank, and 
then to ride thrice around the family residence, ringing his 
fairy bridle, and thus intimating the approaching calamity. 
How easily the eye as well as the ear may be deceived upon 
such occasions, is evident from the stories of armies in the air, 
and other spectral phenomena with which history abounds." — 
Scott. 

171. shingly, pebbly. 174. augured, foretold. 



CANTO THIRD 131 

Before the kindling pile was laid, 

And pierced by Roderick's ready blade. 

Patient the sickening victim eyed 

The life-blood ebb in crimson tide 

Down his clogged beard and shaggy limb; 185 

Till darkness glazed his eyeballs dim. 

The grisly priest, with murmuring prayer, 

A slender crosslet framed with care, 

A cubit's length in measure due; 

The shaft and limbs were rods of yew, 190 

Whose parents in Inch-Cailliach wave 

Their shadows o'er Clan-Alpine's grave. 

And, answering Lomond's breezes deep, 

Soothe many a chieftain's endless sleep. 

The Cross thus formed he held on high 195 

With wasted hand and haggard eye, 

And strange and mingled feelings woke. 

While his anathema he spoke : — 

IX. 

' Woe to the clansman who shall view 

This symbol of sepulchral yew, 200 

Forgetful that its branches grew 

Where weep the heavens their holiest dew 

191. Inch-Cailliach. The Isle of Nuns, or of Old Women, is 
a beautiful island opposite Balmaha, on the southeast of Loch 
Lomond. 

200. of sepulchral yew. Made of sepulchral yew; a true 
genitive — the case which indicates the source whence some- 
thing proceeds or is taken. The yew is called sepulchral from 
its somber character, which has led to its use in graveyards. 



132 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

On Alpine's dwelling low ! 
Deserter of his Chieftain's trust, 
He ne'er shall mingle with their dust, 205 

But, from his sires and kindred thrust. 
Each clansman's execration just 

Shall doom him wrath and woe.' 
He paused ; — the word the vassals took. 
With forward step and fiery look, 210 

On high their naked brands they shook. 
Their clattering targets wildly strook ; 

And first in murmur low. 
Then, like the billow in his course, 
That far to seaward finds his source, 215 

And flings to shore his mustered force. 
Burst with loud roar their answer hoarse, 

' Woe to the traitor, woe ! ' 
Ben-an's gray scalp the accents knew, 
The joyous wolf from covert drew, 220 

The exulting eagle screamed afar, — 
They knew the voice of Alpine's war. 



The shout was hushed on lake and fell, 
The Monk resumed his muttered spell : 

208. Shall doom him wrath and woe. Doom, as a transitive 
verb, has a personal object, naming the person condemned. 
Wrath and woe must therefore be considered datives, "Shall 
condemn him to wrath and woe." To doom originally meant to 
judge. 

212. strook, struck. 

223. fell. A wild and rocky hill, fit only for pasture. 



CANTO THIRD 188 

Dismal and low its accents came, 225 

The while he scathed the Cross with flame ; 

And the few words that reached the air, 

Although the holiest name was there, 

Had more of blasphemy than prayer. 

But when he shook above the crowd 230 

Its, kindled points, he spoke aloud : — 

^ Woe to the wretch who fails to rear 

At this dread sign the ready spear ! 

For, as the flames this symbol sear, 

His home, the refuge of his fear, 235 

A kindred fate shall know ; 
Far o'er its roof the volumed flame 
Clan-Alpine's vengeance shall proclaim, 
While maids and matrons on his name 
Shall call down wretchedness and shame, 240 

And infamy and woe.' 
Then rose the cry of females, shrill 



226. The while. For lohile ; during the time that. This use 
of the phrase the lohile as a conjunction is peculiar. Shake- 
speare uses it frequently as an adverb : 

" God help the^ while:' —"^g. 1 Henry IV. 

" I'll bear your logs the while.'''' 

— Tempest, III. i. 24. 

In A.-S. hwil is a noun meaning time; but the conjunctive 
phrase the while means so long as. scathed. Scorched, in- 
jured. [A.-S. saeathan, to injure; O. E. scathe, injury; E. 
scath, used by Shakespeare : 

" To do offence and scath in Christendom." 

— Xing John, II. i. 75. 

Shakespeare also uses the verb to scathe, to injure, and the 
adjective scathful, destructive.] 



134 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

As goshawk's whistle on the hill, 

Denouncing misery and ill. 

Mingled with childhood's babbling trill 245 

Of curses stammered slow ; 
Answering with imprecation dread, 
* Sunk be his home in embers red ! 
And cursed be the meanest shed 
That e'er shall hide the houseless head 250 

We doom to want and woe ! ' 
A sharp and shrieking echo gave, 
Coir-Uriskin, thy goblin cave ! 
And the gray pass where birches wave 

On Beala-nam-bo. 255 

XI. 

Then deeper paused the priest anew, 

And hard his laboring breath he drew, 

While, with set teeth and clenched hand. 

And eyes that glowed like fiery brand, 

He meditated curse more dread, 260 

And deadlier, on the clansman's head 

Who, summoned to his chieftain's aid. 

The signal saw and disobeyed. 

The crosslet's points of sparkling wood 

He quenched among the bubbling blood, 265 

And, as again the sign he reared, 



243. goshawk, a kind of hawk. 

253. Coir-Uriskin, a pass on the northern side of Benvenue. 
255. Beala-nam-bo, " the pass of cattle," higher up the moun- 
tain than the Goblin's Cave. 



CANTO THIRD 136 

Hollow and hoarse his voice was heard : 

* When flits this Cross from man to man, 
Vich-Alpine's summons to his clan, 

Burst be the ear that fails to heed ! 270 

Palsied the foot that shuns to speed ! 

May ravens tear the careless eyes, 

Wolves make the coward heart their prize ! 

As sinks that blood-stream in the earth, 

So may his heart's-blood drench his hearth ! 275 

As dies in hissing gore the spark, 

Quench thou his light, Destruction dark ! 

And be the grace to him denied. 

Bought by this sign to all beside ! * 

He ceased ; no echo gave again 280 

The murmur of the deep Amen. 

XII. 

Then Eoderick with impatient look 
From Brian's hand the symbol took : 

• Speed, Malise, speed ! ' he said, and gave 

The crosslet to his henchman brave. 285 

'The muster-place be Lanrick mead — 

Instant the time — speed, Malise, speed ! ' 

Like heath-bird, when the hawks pursue, 

A barge across Loch Katrine flew : 

High stood the henchman on the prow ; 290 

So rapidly the barge-men row. 

The bubbles, where they launched the boat, 

286. Lanrick mead. The mead or meadow ou the north 
side of Loch Veunachar. 



136 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Were all unbroken and afloat, 

Dancing in foam and ripple still, 

When it had neared the mainland hill ; 295 

And from the silver beach's side 

Still was the prow three fathom wide, 

When lightly bounded to the land 

The messenger of blood and brand. 

XIII. 

Speed, Malise, speed ! the dun deer's hide 300 

On fleeter foot was never tied. 

Speed, Malise, speed ! such cause of haste 

Thine active sinews never braced. 

Bend 'gainst the steepy hill thy breast. 

Burst down like torrent from its crest ; 305 

With short and springing footstep pass 

The trembling bog and false morass ; 

Across the brook like roebuck bound, 

And thread the brake like questing hound ; 

The crag is high, the scaur is deep, 310 

Yet shrink not from the desperate leap : 

Parched are thy burning lips and brow, 

Yet by the fountain pause not now ; 

Herald of battle, fate, and fear, 

Stretch onward in thy fleet career ! 315 

The wounded hind thou track'st not now, 

Pursuest not maid through greenwood bough, 

Nor pliest thou now thy flying pace 

310. scaur, clifif. 



CANTO THIRD 137 

With rivals in the mountain race ; 

But danger, death, and warrior deed 320 

Are in thy course — speed, Malise, speed | 

XIV. 

Fast as the fatal symbol flies, 

In arms the huts and hamlets rise ; 

From winding glen, from upland brown, 

They poured each hardy tenant down. 325 

Nor slacked the messenger his pace ; 

He showed the sign, he named the place. 

And, pressing forward like the wind. 

Left clamor and surprise behind. 

The fisherman forsook the strand, 330 

The swarthy smith took dirk and brand ; 

With changed cheer, the mower blithe 

Left in the half-cut swath his scythe ; 

The herds without a keeper strayed. 

The plough was in mid-furrow stayed, 335 

The falconer tossed his hawk away, 

The hunter left the stag at bay ; 

Prompt at the signal of alarms. 

Each son of Alpine rushed to arms ; 

So swept the tumult and affray 340 

Along the margin of Achray. 

Alas, thou lovely lake ! that e'er 

Thy banks should echo sounds of fear ! 

The rocks, the bosky thickets, sleep 

344. bosky, woody. 



138 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

So stilly on thy bosom deep, 345 

The lark's blithe carol from the cloud 
Seems for the scene too gayly loud. 

XV. 

Speed, Malise, speed ! The lake is past, 

Duncraggan's huts appear at last, 

And peep, like moss-grown rocks, half seen, 350 

Half hidden in the copse so green ; 

There mayst thou rest, thy labor done. 

Their lord shall speed the signal on. — 

As stoops the hawk upon his prey. 

The henchman shot him down the way. 855 

What wof ul accents load the gale ? 

The funeral yell, the female wail ! 

A gallant hunter's sport is o'er, 

A valiant warrior fights no more. 

Who, in the battle or the chase, 360 

At Roderick's side shall fill his place ! — 

Within the hall, where torch's ray 

Supplies the excluded beams of day, 

Lies Duncan on his lowly bier. 

And o'er him streams his widow's tear. 366 

His stripling son stands mournful by. 

His youngest weeps, but knows not why ; 

The village maids and matrons round 

The dismal coronach resound. 

349. Duncraggan. A farm or hamlet between Achray and 
Vennachar. 

369. coronach. Dirge, or funeral song. "The Coronach of 



CANTO TJHItl) 139 

XVI. 
CORONACH 

He is gone on the mountain, 370 

He is lost to the forest, 
Like a summer-dried fountain, 

When our need was the sorest. 
The font, reappearing, 

From the rain-drops shall borrow, 375 

But to us comes no cheering, 

To Duncan no morrow ! 

The hand of the reaper 

Takes the ears that are hoary, 
But the voice of the weeper 380 

Wails manhood in glory. 
The autumn winds rushing 

Waft the leaves that are searest, 
But our flower was in flushing. 

When blighting was nearest. 386 

Fleet foot on the correi, 

Sage counsel in cumber. 
Red hand in the foray, 

How sound is thy slumber ! 

the Highlanders, like the Ululatus of the Romans, and the Ululoo 
of the Irish, was a wild expression of lamentation poured forth by 
the mourners over the body of a departed friend. When the 
words of it were articulate, they expressed the praises of the de- 
ceased, and the loss the clan would sustain by his death." — Scott. 
383, searest, dry est. 

386. correi, the hollow side of the hill, where game usually lies. 

387. cumber, perplexity. 



140 THE LADY OF THK LAKE 

Like the dew on the mountain, 390 

Like the foam on the river, 
Like the bubble on the fountain, 

Thou art gone, and forever ! 

XVII. 

See Stum ah, who, the bier beside. 

His master's corpse with wonder eyed, 395 

Poor Stumah ! whom his least halloo 

Could send like lightning o'er the dew, 

Bristles his crest, and points his ears. 

As if some stranger step he hears. 

'T is not a mourner's muffled tread, 400 

Who comes to sorrow o'er the dead, 

But headlong haste or deadly fear 

Urge the precipitate career. 

All stand aghast : — unheeding all. 

The henchman bursts into the hall ; 405 

Before the dead man's bier he stood. 

Held forth the Cross besmeared with blood; 

'The muster-place is Lanrick mead; 

Speed forth the signal ! clansmen, speed ! ' 

394. ** Stumah " means faithful. 

408. The muster-place is Lanrick mead. The mustering? or 
"warning" of the Borderers, described in the ballad of Jamie 
Telfer, was probably in Scott's mind when he wrote this Canto: 

" The Scotts they rade, the Scotts they ran, 
Sae starkly and sae steadilie ; 
And aye the otcer-word o' the thrang 

Was ' Rise from Branksome readilie 1 ' " 

The owe,r-word means the repeated word or burden. 



CANTO THIRD 141 

XVIII. 
Angus, the heir of Duncan's line, 410 

Sprung forth and seized the fatal sign. 
In haste the stripling to his side 
His father's dirk and broadsword tied ; 
But when he saw his mother's eye 
Watch him in speechless agony, 415 

Back to her open arms he flew, 
Pressed on her lips a fond adieu, — 
'Alas ! ' she sobbed, — ' and yet be gone, 
And speed thee forth, like Duncan's son ! ' 
One look he cast upon the bier, 420 

Dashed from his eye the gathering tear. 
Breathed deep to clear his laboring breast. 
And tossed aloft his bonnet crest, 
Then, like the high-bred colt when, freed. 
First he essays his fire and speed, 425 

He vanished, and o'er moor and moss 
Sped forward with the Fiery Cross. 
Suspended was the widow's tear 
While yet his footsteps she could hear; 
And when she marked the henchman's eye 430 
Wet with unwonted sympathy, 
'Kinsman,' she said, 'his race is run 
That should have sped thine errand on ; 
The oak has fallen, — the sapling bough 
Is all Duncraggan's shelter now. 435 

Yet trust I well, his duty done, 
The orphan's God will guard my son. — 
And you, in many a danger true, 



142 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

At Duncan's liest your blades that drew, 

To arms, and guard that orphan's head ! 440 

Let babes and women wail the dead.' 

Then weapon-clang and martial call 

Kesounded through the funeral hall, 

While from the walls the attendant band 

Snatched sword and targe with hurried hand ; 445 

And short and flitting energy 

Glanced from the mourner's sunken eye, 

As if the sounds to warrior dear 

Might rouse her Duncan from his bier. 

But faded soon that borrowed force ; 450 

Grief claimed his right, and tears their course. 

XIX. 

Benledi saw the Cross of Fire, 

It glanced like lightning up Strath-Ire. 

O'er dale and hill the summons flew, 

Nor rest nor pause young Angus knew ; 455 

The tear that gathered in his eye 

He left the mountain-breeze to dry ; 

Until, where Teith's young waters roll 

Betwixt him and a wooded knoll 

That graced the sable strath with green, 460 

The chapel of Saint Bride was seen. 

439. best, behest; command. 

445. targe, target; shield. 

453. Strath-Ire. The valley above Loch Lubnaig, watered by 
the Teith in its upper reaches. 

461. The chapel of Saint Bride. A wooded knoll, a short way 
below Loch Lubnaig, is still pointed out as the site of this chapel. 



(JAN TO THIRD 143 

Swoln was the stream, remote the bridge, 

But Angus paused not on the edge ; 

Though the dark waves danced dizzily, 

Though reeled his sympathetic eye, 465 

He dashed amid the torrent's roar : 

His right hand high the crosslet bore, 

His left the pole-axe grasped, to guide 

And stay his footing in the tide. 

He stumbled twice, — the foam splashed high, 470 

With hoarser swell the stream raced by; 

And had he fallen, — forever there, 

Farewell Duncraggan's orphan heir ! 

But still, as if in parting life. 

Firmer he grasped the Cross of strife, 475 

Until the opposing bank he gained, 

And up the ohapel pathway strained. 

XX. 

A blithesome rout that morning-tide 

Had sought the chapel of Saint Bride. 

Her troth Tombea's Mary gave 480 

471. raced. This word is correctly applied to the rapid flow 
of a river. It is from A.-S. raes, a stream, and raesan, to rush. 
Hence it is applied to the lade, or canal, which conducts water 
to a water wheel. The current above the wheel is called the 
head-race; that below it, the tail-race. Cape Race, in New- 
foundland, owes its name to the strong current which flows 
there. Cape Corrientes, on the coast of Mexico, has the same 
meaning. 

480. Her troth Tombea's Mary gave. Troth-giving, which 
properly applies to betrothal or contract in promise of marriage, 
here applies to the marriage ceremony itself. Troth-plight in 
Sc. is the act of pledging faith between lovers by exchanging 



144 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

To Norman, heir of Armandave, 

And, issuing from the Gothic arch, 

The bridal now resumed their march. 

In rude but glad procession came 

Bonneted sire and coif -clad dame ; 485 

And plaided youth, with jest and jeer. 

Which snooded maiden would not hear; 

And children, that, unwitting why. 

Lent the gay shout their shrilly cry ; 

And minstrels, that in measures vied 490 

Before the young and bouny bride, 

Whose downcast eye and cheek disclose 

The tear and blush of morning rose. 

With virgin step and bashful hand 

She held the kerchiefs snowy band. 495 

The gallant bridegroom by her side 

Beheld his prize with victor's pride, 

And the glad mother in her ear 

Was closely whispering word of cheer. 

XXI. 

Who meets them at the churchyard gate ? 500 

The messenger of fear and fate ! 

Haste in his hurried accent lies, 

And grief is swimming in his eyes. 

All dripping from the recent flood. 

Panting and travel-soiled he stood, 505 

tokens or presents. [A.-S. treoioth, truth; ti^eowian, to trust.] 
Tomhea, or Birkhill, is a farm at the heart of the Pass of Leny, 
504. the recent flood. The flood through which he had re- 
cently passed. 



CANTO THIRD 145 

The fatal sign of fire and sword 

Held forth, and spoke the appointed word: 

*The muster-place is Lanrick mead; 

Speed forth the signal ! Norman, speed ! ' 

And must he change so soon the hand 5io 

Just linked to his by holy band, 

For the fell Cross of blood and brand ? 

And must the day so blithe that rose, 

And promised rapture in the close. 

Before its setting hour, divide 515 

The bridegroom from the plighted bride ? 

fatal doom ! — it must ! it must ! 

Clan-Alpine's cause, her Chieftain's trust, 

Her summons dread, brook no delay ; 

Stretch to the race, — away ! away ! 520 

XXII. 

Yet slow he laid his plaid aside, 

And lingering eyed his lovely bride, 

Until he saw the starting tear 

Speak woe he might not stop to cheer ; 

Then, trusting not a second look, 526 

In haste he sped him up the brook, 

Nor backward glanced till on the heath 

Where Lubnaig's lake supplies the Teith. ■ — 

What in the racer's bosom stirred ? 

The sickening pang of hope deferred, 530 

518. her Chieftain's trust. The trust which the Chieftain 
committed to the clan ; namely, to preserve its honor. 

527. till on the heath. Supply he paused. The heath referred 
to is the broad strath at the southern extremity of Locli Lnbnaig. 



146 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

And memory with a torturing train 

Of all his morning visions vain. 

Mingled with love's impatience, came 

The manly thirst for martial fame ; 

The stormy joy of mountaineers 535 

Ere yet they rush upon the spears ; 

And zeal for Clan and Chieftain burning, 

And hope, from Avell-f ought field returning. 

With war's red honors on his crest, 

To clasp his Mary to his breast. 540 

Stung by such thoughts, o'er bank and brae, 

Like fire from flint he glanced away, 

While high resolve and feeling strong 

Burst into voluntary song. 

XXIII. 
SONG 

The heath this night must be my bed, 545 

The bracken curtain for my head. 
My lullaby the warder's tread. 

Far, far, from love and thee, Mary ; 
To-morrow eve, more stilly laid. 
My couch may be my bloody plaid, 550 

My vesper song thy wail, sweet maid ! 
It will not waken me, Mary ! 

I may not, dare not, fancy now 

The grief that clouds thy lovely brow, 

I dare not think upon thy vow, 565 

546. bracken, fern. 



CANTO THIRD 147 

And all it promised me, Mary. 
No fond regret must Norman know ; 
When bursts Clan- Alpine on the foe, 
His heart must be like bended bow, 

His foot like arrow free, Mary. 560 

A time will come with feeling fraught, 
For, if I fall in battle fought, 
Thy hapless lover's dying thought 

Shall be a thought on thee, Mary. 
And if returned from conquered foes, 565 

How blithely will the evening close, 
How sweet the linnet sing repose. 

To my young bride and me, Mary ! 

XXIV. 

Not faster o'er thy heathery braes, 
Balquidder, speeds the midnight blaze, 570 

Rushing in conflagration strong 
Thy deep ravines and dells along. 
Wrapping thy cliffs in purple glow. 
And reddening the dark lakes below ; 
Nor faster speeds it, nor so far, 575 

As o'er thy heaths the voice of war. 

570. the midnight blaze. The heath on the Scottish moor- 
lands is often set fire to, that the sheep may have the advan- 
tage of the young herbage. Balquidder, etc. The Braes of 
Balquidder (well known from Tannahill's song) stretch west- 
ward from the head of Strath-Ire. They are watered by the 
Teith, and contain Lochs Voil and Doine. Above the latter, 
the stream is called the Balvaig. Rob Roy, the famous outlaw, 
lies buried in the churchyard of Balquidder. 



148 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

The signal roused to martial coil 

The sullen margin of Loch Voil, 

Waked still Loch Doine, and to the source 

Alarmed, Balvaig, thy swampy course ; 580 

Thence southward turned its rapid road 

Adown Strath-Gartney's valley broad, 

Till rose in arms each man might claim 

A portion in Clan-Alpine's name, 

From the gray sire, whose trembling hand 585 

Could hardly buckle on his brand, 

To the raw boy, whose shaft and bow 

Were yet scarce terror to the crow. 

Each valley, each sequestered glen. 

Mustered its little horde of men, 590 

That met as torrents from the height 

In Highland dales their streams unite, 

Still gathering, as they pour along, 

577. coil, bustle, stir. In this seuse Shakespeare uses the 
word : " Here's such a coll " {Romeo and Juliet, II. v. 67). In 
"When we have shuffled off this mortal coil " ( Hamlet, III. i. 68) , 
the same meaning is also the most prominent ; but there is also 
a reference in shuffled off to the primary meaning of the word 
convolution, like the tightening of a rope, or the coil of a ser- 
pent. [Lat. colligere, to gather together.] 

580. Balvaig. The nominative of address, or vocative. 

582. Strath-Gartney. The northern side of Loch Katrine, 
forming a broad valley, stretching from Glengyle on the west 
to the Trosachs on the east. The Cross of Fire has thus made 
the complete circuit of Clan-Alpine's lands, having been brought 
back to Loch Katrine, from which it started, after traveling a 
distance of between forty and fifty miles. 

.583. each man might claim. Each man who might claim. 
The omission of the nominative relative is rare, and only occurs 
when the antecedent immediately precedes the relative clause. 



(JAN TO THlliD 149 

A voice more loud, a tide more strong, 

Till at the rendezvous they stood 5P.t 

By hundreds prompt for blows and blood. 

Each trained to arms since life began, 

Owning no tie but to his clan, 

No oath but by his chieftain's hand, 

No law but Roderick Dhu's command. 6()0 

XXV. 

That summer morn had Roderick Dhu 

Surveyed the skirts of Benvenue, 

And sent his scouts o'er hill and heath, 

To view the frontiers of Menteith. 

All backward came with news of truce ; 605 

Still lay each martial Graeme and Bruce, 

In Rednock courts no horsemen wait. 

No banner waved on Cardross gate, 

On Duchray's towers no beacon shone, 

Nor scared the herons from Loch Con ; 610 

All seemed at peace. — Now wot ye why 

The Chieftain with such anxious eye, 

607. Rednock. A mansion about a mile to the east of the 
Lake of Menteith. 

608. Cardross. Now Cardross House, on the Forth, a few 
miles south of Rednock. 

609. Duchray's towers. Duchray Castle, an ancient strong- 
hold of the Graemes, three miles southwest of Aherfoyle, a 
village midway between the Lake of Menteith and Loch Ard. 
The whole district has been made classic ground by Scott's 
Rob Roy. 

610. Loch Con. A small lake, in the midst of romantic 
scenery, two miles south of Loch Katrine. It forms the head 
waters of the river Forth. 



150 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Ere to the muster he repair, 

This western frontier scanned with care? — 

In Benvenue's most darksome cleft, 6i5 

A fair though cruel pledge was left ; 

For Douglas, to his promise true. 

That morning from the isle withdrew, 

And in a deep sequestered dell 

Had sought a low and lonely cell. 620 

By many a bard in Celtic tongue 

Has Coir-nan-Uriskin been sung; 

A softer name the Saxons gave, 

And called the grot the Goblin Cave. 

XXVI. 

It was a wild and strange retreat, 625 

As e'er was trod by outlaw's feet. 
The dell, upon the mountain's crest, 
Yawned like a gash on warrior's breast ; 
Its trench had stayed full many a rock. 
Hurled by primeval earthquake shock 030 

From Benvenue's gray summit wild. 
And here, in random ruin piled. 
They frowned incumbent o'er the spot, 
And formed the rugged sylvan grot. 
The oak and birch with mingled shade 635 

At noontide there a twilight made, 

622. Coir-nan-Uriskin. The Den of the UrisTc, or Highland 
satyr, a steep and most romantic hollow in the mountain of 
Benvenue, overhanging the southeastern extremity of Locb 
Katrine. 

633. incumbent, overhanging. 



CANTO THIRD 151 

Unless when short and sudden shone 

Some straggling beam on cliff or stone, 

With such a glimpse as prophet's eye 

Gains on thy depth, Futurity. 640 

No murmur waked the solemn still, 

Save tinkling of a fountain rill ; 

But Avhen the wind chafed with the lake, 

A sullen sound would upward break, 

With dashing hollow voice, that spoke 645 

The incessant war of wave and rock. 

Suspended cliffs with hideous sway 

Seemed nodding o'er the cavern gray. 

From such a den the wolf had sprung, 

In such the wild-cat leaves her young ; 650 

Yet Douglas and his daughter fair 

Sought for a space their safety there. 

Gray Superstition's whisper dread 

Debarred the spot to vulgar tread ; 

For there, she said, did fays resort, 655 

And satyrs hold their sylvan court, 

By moonlight tread their mystic maze, 

And blast the rash beholder's gaze. 

XXVII. 

Now eve, with western shadows long, 
Floated on Katrine bright and strong, 660 

When Eoderick with a chosen few 
Repassed the heights of Benvenue. 

656. See notes on 11. 142 and 622, above. 



152 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Above the Goblin Cave tliey go, 

Through the wild pass of Beal-nam-bo; 

The prompt retainers speed before, 665 

To launch the shallop from the shore, 

For 'cross Loch Katrine lies his way 

To view the passes of Achray, 

And place his clansmen in array. 

Yet lags the Chief in musing mind, 670 

Unwonted sight, his men behind. 

A single page, to bear his sword, 

Alone attended on his lord ; 

The rest their way through thickets break. 

And soon await him by the lake. 675 

It was a fair and gallant sight. 

To view them from the neighboring height. 

By the low-levelled sunbeam's light ! 

For strength and stature, from the clan 

Each warrior was a chosen man, 680 

As even afar might well be seen. 

By their proud step and martial mien. 

Their feathers dance, their tartans float, 

Their targets gleam, as by the boat 

A wild and warlike group they stand, 685 

That well became such mountain-strand. 

XXVIII. 

Their Chief with step reluctant still 

Was lingering on the craggy hill, 

Hard by where turned apart the road 

To Douglas's obscure abode. 690 



CANTO THIRD 153 

It was but with that dawning morn 

That Koderick Dhu had proudly sworn 

To drown his love in war's wild roar, 

Nor think of Ellen Douglas more ; 

But he who stems a stream with sand,. 695 

And fetters flame with flaxen band, 

Has yet a harder task to prove, — 

By Arm resolve to conquer love ! 

Eve finds the Chief, like restless ghost, 

Still hovering near his treasure lost ; 700 

Eor though his haughty heart deny 

A parting meeting to his eye, 

Still fondly strains his anxious ear 

The accents of her voice to hear. 

And inly did he curse the breeze 705 

That waked to sound the rustling trees. 

But hark ! what mingles in the strain ? 

It is the harp of Allan-bane, 

That wakes its measure slow and high. 

Attuned to sacred minstrelsy. vio 

Wliat melting voice attends the strings ? 

^T is Ellen, or an angel, sings. 

XXIX. 
HYMN TO THE VIRGIN 

Ave Maria ! maiden mild ! 

Listen to a maiden's prayer ! 
Thou canst hear though from the wild, 715 

Thou canst save amid despair. 
713. Ave Maria ! Hail, Mary ! 



154 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Safe may we sleep beneath thy care, 

Though banished, outcast, and reviled — 

Maiden ! hear a maiden's prayer ; 

Mother, hear a suppliant child ! 720 

Ave Maria ! 

Ave Maria ! undefiled ! 

The flinty couch we now must share 
Shall seem with down of eider piled, 

If thy protection hover there. 
The murky cavern's heavy air 725 

Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smiled ; 
Then, Maiden ! hear a maiden's prayer, 

Mother, list a suppliant child ! 

Ave Maria ! 

Ave Maria ! stainless styled ! 

Foul demons of the earth and air, 730 

From this their wonted haunt exiled, 

Shall flee before thy presence fair. 
We bow us to our lot of care. 

Beneath thy guidance reconciled : 
Hear for a maid a maiden's prayer, 735 

And for a father hear a child ! 

Ave Maria ! 

XXX. 

Died on the harp the closing hymn, — 

Unmoved in attitude and limb, 

As listening still, Clan-Alpine's lord 

Stood leaning on his heavy sword, 740 



CANTO THIRD 155 

Until the page with humble sign 

Twice pointed to the sun's decline. 

Then while his plaid he round him cast, 

* It is the last time — 't is the last,' 

He muttered thrice, — ' the last time e'er 74') 

That angel-voice shall Roderick hear ! ' 

It ^vas a goading thought, — his stride 

Hied hastier down the mountain-side ; 

Sullen he flung him in the boat, 

An instant 'cross the lake it shot. 750 

They landed in that silvery bay, 

And eastward held their hasty way, 

Till, with the latest beams of light, 

The band arrived on Lanrick height. 

Where mustered in the vale below 755 

Clan-Alpine's men in martial show. 

XXXI. 

A various scene the clansmen made : 

Some sat, some stood, some slowly strayed ; 

But most, with mantles folded round^, 

Were couched to rest upon the ground, 760 

Scarce to be known by curious eye 

From the deep heather where they lie. 

So well was matched the tartan screen 

With heath-bell dark and brackens green ; 

Unless where, here and there, a blade 765 

Or lance's point a glimmer made. 

Like glow-worm twinkling through the shade. 

But when, advancing through the gloom, 



156 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

They saw the Chieftain's eagle plume, 

Their shout of welcome, shrill and wide, 770 

Shook the steep mountain's steady side. 

Thrice it arose, and lake and fell 

Three times returned the martial jqW ; 

It died upon Bochastle's plain, 

And Silence claimed her evening reign. 775 



CANTO FOURTH 157 



CANTO EOURTH 
The Prophecy 



^ The rose is fairest when 't is budding new, 

And hope is brightest when it dawns from fears; 
The rose is sweetest washed with morning dew, 

And love is loveliest when embalmed in tears. 

wilding rose, whom fancy thus endears, 5 

I bid your blossoms in my bonnet wave, 

Emblem of hope and love through future years ! ' 
Thus spoke young Norman, heir of Arraandave, 
What time the sun arose on Vennachar's broad 
wave. 

II. 

Such fond conceit, half said, half sung, 10 

Love prompted to the bridegroom's tongue. 
All while he stripped the wild-rose spray, 
His axe and bow beside him lay. 
For on a pass 'twixt lake and wood 
A wakeful sentinel he stood. 16 

Hark ! — on the rock a footstep rung, 
And instant to his arms he sprung. 

5. wilding, wild. 



158 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

' Stand, or thou diest ! — What, Malise ? — soon 

Art thou returned from Braes of Doune. 

By thy keen step and glance I know, 20 

Thou bring'st us tidings of the foe.' — 

For while the Fiery Cross hied on, 

On distant scout had Malise gone. — 

^ Where sleeps the Chief? ' the henchman said. 

^ Apart, in yonder misty glade ; -5 

To his lone couch I '11 be your guide.' — 

Then called a slumberer by his side. 

And stirred him with his slackened bow, — 

' Up, up, Glentarkin ! rouse thee, ho ! 

We seek the Chieftain ; on the track 30 

Keep eagle watch till I come back.' 

III. 

Together up the pass they sped . 

' What of the foeman ? ' Norman said. — 

' Varying reports from near and far ; 

This certain, — that a band of war .'>5 

Has for two days been ready boune. 

At prompt command to march from Doune ; 

King James the while, with princely powers, 

Holds revelry in Stirling towers. 

Soon will this dark and gathering cloud 4(i 

Speak on our glens in thunder loud. 

Inured to bide such bitter bout, 

19. Braes of Doune, hills on the north side of the Teith. 
36. boune, prepared. See note on 1. 157 below. 
42. Inured, hardened, bide, endure. 



CANTO FOURTH 159 

The warrior's plaid may bear it out ; 

But, Norman, how wilt thou provide 

A shelter for thy bouny bride ? ' — 45 

^ What ! know ye not that Roderick's care 

To the lone isle hath caused repair 

Each maid and matron of the clan, 

And every child and aged man 

Unfit for arms ; and given his charge, 50 

Nor skiff nor shallop, boat nor barge. 

Upon these lakes shall float at large, 

But all beside the islet moor, 

That such dear pledge may rest secure ? ' — 

IV. 

' 'T is well advised, — the Chieftain's plan 55 

Bespeaks the father of his clan. 

But wherefore sleeps Sir Roderick Dhu 

Apart from all his followers true ? ' 

* It is because last evening-tide 

Brian an augury hath tried, 60 

Of that dread kind which must not be 

Unless in dread extremity. 

The Taghairm called; by which, afar, 

63. Taghairm. " The Highlanders, like all rude people, had 
various superstitious modes of inquiring into futurity. One of 
the most noted was the Taghairm mentioned in the text. A 
person was wrapped up in the skin of a newly slain bullock, and 
deposited beside a waterfall, or at the bottom of a precipice, or 
in some other strange, wild, and unusual situation, where the 
scenery around him suggested nothing but objects of horror. 
In this situation he revolved in his mind the question proposed, 
and whatever was impressed upon him by his exalted imagina- 



160 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Our sires foresaw the events of war. 
Duncraggan's milk-white bull they slew/ — os 

MALISE 

* Ah ! well the gallant brute I knew ! 

The choicest of the prey we had 

When swept our merrymen Gallangad. 

His hide was snow, his horns were dark, 

His red eye glowed like fiery spark ; 70 

So fierce, so tameless, and so fleet, 

Sore did he cumber our retreat. 

And kept our stoutest kerns in awe, 

Even at the pass of Beal 'maha. 

But steep and flinty was the road, 75 

And sharp the hurrying pikeman's goad, 

And when we came to Dennan's Eow 

A child might scathless stroke his brow/ 



NORMAN 

' That bull was slain ; his reeking hide 
They stretched the cataract beside, 80 

Whose waters their wild tumult toss 
Adown the black and craggy boss 

tiou passed for the inspiration of the disembodied spirits who 
haunt the desolate recesses." — Scott. 

73. keras, foot soldiers. 

74. Beal 'maha, ' ' the pass of the plain," east of Loch Lomond. 
77. Dennan's Row, the point at which the ascent of Ben 

Lomond commences. 
82. boss, a knob. 



(J AN TO FOURTH 161 

Of that huge cliff whose ample verge 

Tradition calls the Hero's Targe. 

Couched on a shelf beneath its brink, 85 

Close where the thundering torrents sink, 

Eocking beneath their headlong sway, 

And drizzled by the ceaseless spray. 

Midst groan of rock and roar of stream. 

The wizard waits prophetic dream. 90 

Nor distant rests the Chief ; — but hush ! 

See, gliding slow through mist and bush, 

The hermit gains yon rock, and stands 

To gaze upon our slumbering bands. 

Seems he not, Malise, like a ghost, 95 

That hovers o'er a slaughtered host ? 

Or raven on the blasted oak. 

That, watching while the deer is broke. 

His morsel claims with sullen croak ? ' 

MALISE 

' Peace ! peace ! to other than to me 100 

Thy words were evil augury ; 

But still I hold Sir Eoderick's blade 

Clan- Alpine's omen and her aid, 

84. Hero's Targe. This rock is in the woods of Glenfinlas. 

98. broke. " Everything belonging to the chase was matter 
of solemnity among our ancestors; but nothing was more so 
than the mode of cutting up, or, as it was technically called, 
breaking the slaughtered stag. The forester had his allotted 
portion ; the hounds had a certain allowance ; and, to make the 
division as general as possible, the very birds had their share 
also." — Scott. 



162 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Not aught that, gleaned from heaven or hell, 
Yon fiend-begotten Monk can tell. 105 

The Chieftain joins him, see — and now 
Together they descend the brow.' 

VI. 

And, as they came, with Alpine's Lord 

The Hermit Monk held solemn word : — 

* Eoderick ! it is a fearful strife, 110 

For man endowed with mortal life, 

Whose shroud of sentient clay can still 

Feel feverish pang and fainting chill, 

Whose eye can stare in stony trance, 

Whose hair can rouse like warrior's lance, — 115 

'T is hard for such to view, unfurled, 

The curtain of the future world. 

Yet, witness every quaking limb, 

My sunken pulse, mine eyeballs dim. 

My soul with harrowing anguish torn, 120 

This for my Chieftain have I borne ! — 

The shapes that sought my fearful couch 

A human tongue may ne'er avouch ; 

No mortal man — save he, who, bred 

110. it is a fearful strife. The conclusion of this clause will 
be found in the sixth line following : 

" To view, unfurled, 
The curtain of the future world." 

118. witness. The third person of the imperative: "Let 
every quaking limb, etc., bear witness that I have borne this for 
my Chieftain." 

124. save he. The modern idiom is save Mm, save being re- 
garded as a preposition ; but it was originally the participle of 



CANTO FOURTH 163 

Between the living and the dead, 125 

Is gifted beyond nature's law — ■ 

Had e'er survived to say he saw. 

At length the fateful answer came 

In characters of living flame ! 

Not spoke in word, nor blazed in scroll, 130 

But borne and branded on my soul : — 

Which spills the foremost foeman's life, 

That party conquers in the strife.' 

VII. 

^ Thanks, Brian, for thy zeal and care ! 

Good is thine augury, and fair. i:io 

Clan-Alpine ne'er in battle stood 

But first our broadswords tasted blood. 

an absolute phrase, and in this construction it is used by Shake- 
speare {Julius Csesar, V. v. 69) : 

" All the couspirators save only 7t«." 

That is, he only saved, or excepted. The case absolute in 
Anglo-Saxon was the dative or ablative ; but when the case- 
endings were lost, the noun was commonly regarded as a nomi- 
native. 

127. he saw. The object of this verb is the same as that of 
avouch; namely, "the shapes that sought my fearful couch." 

132. Which spills, etc. The correlative of which \^ party, in 
the next line. Foroaost, though an attribute of life, really be- 
longs to spills: Whichever party ,/?7'S^ spills blood, that party 
conquers. This prophecy the hermit derived from the Tagh- 
airm, but the fate of a battle was often anticipated, in the 
imagination of the combatants, by observing which party first 
shed blood. "It is said that the Highlanders under Montrose 
were so deeply imbued with this notion, that on the morning 
of the battle of Tippermoor they murdered a defenseless herds- 
man, whom they found in the fields, merely to secure an advan- 
tage of so much consequence to their party." 



164 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

A surer victim still I know, 

Self -offered to the auspicious blow : 

A spy has sought my land this morn, — 140 

No eve shall witness his return ! 

My followers guard each pass's mouth, 

To east, to westward, and to south ; 

Red Murdoch, bribed to be his guide. 

Has charge to lead his steps aside, 145- 

Till in deep path or dingle brown , 

He light on those shall bring him down. — 

But see, who comes his news to show ! 

Malise ! what tidings of the foe ? ' 

VIII. 

^ At Doune, o'er many a spear and glaive iso 
Two Barons proud their banners wave. 
I saw the Moray's silver star, 
And marked the sable pale of Mar.' 
' By Alpine's soul, high tidings those ! 

147. He light on those shall bring him down. He light is sub- 
junctive, to imply uncertainty regarding the particular path or 
dingle where he might be led. Shall brijif/ is future of the in- 
dicative, to indicate certainty or confidence of the result. Who 
must be sui)plied as subject of shall hring. 

150. Doune. The Castle of Doune, an ancient stronghold of 
the Earls of Menteith, now a picturesque ruin, situated on the 
left bank of the Teitli, midway between Stirling and Callander. 
The Earls of Moray are Barons of Doune. glaive, a sword. 
[Fr. glaive; Lat. gladius.] 

153. pale. A heraldic term, applied to a band or stripe ex- 
tending from the top to the bottom of a shield. In the cogni- 
zance of the Earl of Mar, the pale is sable ; that is, black. The 
heraldic colors are gules (red), azure (blue), sable (black), vei^ 
(gveen), purpure (purple). 



CANTO FOURTH 165 

I love to hear of worthy foes. 155 

When move they on ? ' ' To-morrow's noon 

Will see them here for battle bonne.' 

' Then shall it see a meeting stern ! 

But, for the place, — say, couldst thou learn 

Nought of the friendly clans of Earn ? 160 

Strengthened by them, we well might bide 

The battle on Benledi's side. 

Thou couldst not ? — well ! Clan- Alpine's men 

Shall man the Trosachs' shaggy glen; 

W^ithin Loch Katrine's gorge we '11 fight, 165 

All in our maids' and matrons' sight, 

Each for his hearth and household fire, 

Father for child, and son for sire, 

Lover for maid beloved ! — But why — 

Is it the breeze affects mine eye ? 170 

Or dost thou come, ill-omened tear ! 

A messenger of doubt or fear ? 

No ! sooner may the Saxon lance 

Unfix Benledi from his stance, 

155. I love to hear of worthy foes. Compare Canto V. 1, 238. 

" The stern joy which warriors feel 
In foemen worthy of their steel." 

157. boune, ready. It is really the passive participle of the 
verb to boun, or hown, which occurs frequently in old ballads, 
in the phrase, "busk and boun," i.e., array and prepare. The 
past tense bouned or bowynd occurs in the Euglish version of 
the Battle of Otterbourne : 

"The dowg'htye Dowglasse howynd him to ride 
In England to take a praye." 

[O. E. boun ; Sc. bown ; O. Norse, buinn.'\ 
174. stance, foundation. 



166 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Than doubt or terror can pierce through 175 

The unyielding heart of Roderick Dhu ! 

'T is stubborn as his trusty targe. 

Each to his post ! — all know their charge.' 

The pibroch sounds, the bands advance, 

The broadswords gleam, the banners dance, 180 

Obedient to the Chieftain's glance. — 

I turn me from the martial roar, 

And seek Coir-Uriskin once more. 



IX. 

Where is the Douglas ? — he is gone ; 

And Ellen sits on the gray stone 186 

Fast by the cave, and makes her moan, 

While vainly Allan's words of cheer 

Are poured on her unheeding ear. 

* He will return — dear lady, trust ! — 

With joy return ; — he will — he must. 190 

Well was it time to seek afar 

Some refuge from impending war. 

When e'en Clan- Alpine's rugged swarm 

Are cowed by the approaching storm. 

I saw their boats with many a light, ift^) 

Floating the livelong yesternight. 

Shifting like flashes darted forth 

By the red streamers of the north ; 



186. Fast by, close to. Compare Paradise Lost, I. 11. 
198. red streamers of the north, the Aurora Borealis or 
northern lights. 



CANTO FOURTH 167 

I marked at morn how close they ride, 

Thick moored by the lone islet's side, 200 

Like wild ducks couching in the fen 

When stoops the hawk upon the glen. 

Since this rude race dare not abide 

The peril on the mainland side, 

Shall not thy noble father's care 205 

Some safe retreat for thee prepare ? * 

X. 

ELLEN 

*!N"o, Allan, no ! Pretext so kind 

My wakeful terrors could not blind. 

When in such tender tone, yet grave, 

Douglas a parting blessing gave, 210 

The tear that glistened in his eye 

Drowned not his purpose fixed and high. 

My soul, though feminine and weak. 

Can image his ; e'en as the lake, 

Itself disturbed by slightest stroke, 215 

Eeflects the invulnerable rock. 

He hears report of battle rife, 

He deems himself the cause of strife. 

I saw him redden when the theme 

Turned, Allan, on thine idle dream 220 

Of Malcolm Graeme in fetters bound. 

Which I, thou saidst, about him wound. 

216. invulnerable, that cannot be wounded. 

217. rife, plentiful. Qualifies reports. 



168 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Think'st thou he trowed thine omen aught ? 

no ! 't was apprehensive thought 

For the kind youth, — for Koderick too — 225 

Let me be just — that friend so true ; 

In danger both, and in our cause ! 

Minstrel, the Douglas dare not pause. 

Why else that solemn warning given, 

'^ If not on earth, we meet in heaven ! " 230 

Why else, to Cambus-kenneth's fane, 

If eve return him not again, 

Am I to hie and make me known ? 

Alas, he goes to Scotland's throne, 

Buys his friends' safety with his own ; 235 

He goes to do — what I had done, 

Had Douglas' daughter been his son ! ' 

XI. 

^Nay, lovely Ellen! — dearest, nay! 

If aught should his return delay, 

He only named yon holy fane 240 

As fitting place to meet again. 

Be sure he's safe ; and for the Graeme, — 

229. else. A clause of condition expressed in a single word, 
" If that is not the case." 

231. Cambus-kenneth's fane. The ancient Abbey of Canibus- 
kenneth, now a ruin, stands on a peninsula of the "Links of 
Forth," about a mile east of Stirling. It was founded by 
David I. in 1147. 

2.36. what I had done, Had, etc. Had done is the principal 
clause, or apodosis, in the subjunctive mood: "what I shoti/d 
have done." Had been is the subordinate clause, or protasis, 
in the subjunctive also : " if Douglas' daughter had been his 
son." This implies that the fact is contrary to the supposition. 



CANTO FOURTH 169 

Heaven's blessing on his gallant name ! — 
My visioned sight may yet jDrove true, 
Nor bode of ill to him or you. 245 

When did my gifted dream beguile ? 
Think of the stranger at the isle, 
And think upon the harpings slow- 
That presaged this approaching woe ! 
Sooth was my prophecy of fear ; 250 

Believe it when it augurs cheer. 
Would we had left this dismal spot! 
Ill luck still haunts a fairy grot. 
Of such a wondrous tale I know — 
Dear lady, change that look of woe, 255 

My harp was wont thy grief to cheer.' 

ELLEN 

' Well, be it as thou wilt ; I hear, 

But cannot stop the bursting tear.' 

The Minstrel tried his simple art. 

But distant far was Ellen's heart. 260 

XII. 

BALLAD 

ALICE BRAND 

Merry it is in the good greenwood. 

When the mavis and merle are singing. 

When the deer sweeps by, and the hounds are in cry, 
And the hunter's horn is ringing. 

249, presaged, foretold. 

262, mavis and merle, thrush and blackbird. 



170 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

' Alice Brand, my native land 265 

Is lost for love of you ; 
And we must hold by wood and wold, 

As outlaws wont to do. 

^ Alice, 't was all for thy locks so bright. 

And 't was all for thine eyes so blue, 270 

That on the night of our luckless flight 
Thy brother bold I slew. 

' Now must I teach to hew the beech 

The hand that held the glaive. 
For leaves to spread our lowly bed, 275 

And stakes to fence our cave. 

' And for vest of pall, thy fingers small. 

That wont on harp to stray, 
A cloak must shear from the slaughtered deer, 

To keep the cold away.' 280 

< Eichard ! if my brother died, 

'T was but a fatal chance ; 
Eor darkling was the battle tried. 

And fortune sped the lance. 

267. wold, open country. 
277. vest of pall, mantle of rich material. 
283. darkling, in the dark. This adverb is used by Shake- 
speare in the same sense : 

" So, out went the candle, and we were left darkling." 

— Lear, I. iv. 23T. 

It has the appearance of being a participle ; but the verb to 
darkle, from which it would come, does not exist. It is prob- 
ably a noun , from A.-S. deorcung, the twilight. 



CANTO FOVRTJT 171 

' If pall and vair no more I wear, 285 

Nor thou the crimson sheen, 
As warm, we '11 say, is the russet gray, 

As gay the forest-green. 

' And, Richard, if our lot be hard, 

And lost thy native land, 200 

Still Alice has her own Richard, 

And he his Alice Brand.' 

XIII. 
BALLAD CONTINUED 

'T is merry, 't is merry, in good greenwood ; 

So blithe Lady Alice is singing ; 
On the beech's pride, and oak's brown side, 295 

Lord Richard's axe is ringing. 

Up spoke the moody Elfin King, 

Who woned within the hill, — 
Like wind in the porch of a ruined church, 

His voice was ghostly shrill. 300 

* Why sounds yon stroke on beech and oak, 

Our moonlight circle's screen ? 
Or who comes here to chase the deer. 

Beloved of our Elfin Queen ? 
Or who may dare on wold to wear 305 

The fairies' fatal green ? 

285. vair, the fur of a kind of squirrel. 
298. woned, lived. 

306. fatal green. • 'As the Daoine Shi', or Men of Peace, wore 
green habits, they were supposed to take offense when any 



172 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

' Up, Urgan, up ! to yon mortal hie, 

For thou wert christened man ; 
For cross or sign thou wilt not fly. 

For muttered word or ban. 310 

' Lay on him the curse of the withered heart, 

The curse of the sleepless eye ; 
Till he wish and pray that his life would part, 

Nor yet find leave to die.' 

XIV. 

BALLAD CONTINUED 

'T is merry, 't is merry, in good greenwood, 315 
Though the birds have stilled their singing; 

The evening blaze doth Alice raise, 
And Richard is fagots bringing. 

Up Urgan starts, that hideous dwarf, 

Before Lord Eichard stands, 320 

And, as he crossed and blessed himself, 
' I fear not sign,' quoth the grisly elf, 
^ That is made with bloody hands.' 

But out then spoke she, Alice Brand, 

That woman void of fear, — 325 

* And if there 's blood upon his hand, 
'T is but the blood of deer.' 

mortals ventured to assume their favorite color. Indeed, from 
some reason, which has been, perhaps, originally a general 
superstition, green is held in Scotland to be unlucky to par- 
ticular tribes and counties." — (Sco^^ 



CANTO FOURTH 173 

^ Now loud thou liest, thou bold of mood ! 

It cleaves unto his hand, 
The stain of thine own kindly blood, 330 

The blood of Ethert Brand/ 

Then forward stepped she, Alice Brand, 
And made the holy sign, — 

* And if there 's blood on Richard's hand, 

A spotless hand is mine. 335 

' And I conjure thee, demon elf. 

By Him whom demons fear. 
To show us whence thou art thyself, 

And what thine errand here ? ' 

XV. 
BALLAD CONTIXUED 

^ 'T is merry, 't is merry, in Fairy -land, 340 

When fairy birds are singing. 
When the court doth ride by their monarch's side. 

With bit and bridle ringing : 

' And gayly shines the Fairy-land — 

But all is glistening show, 345 

Like the idle gleam that December's beam 

Can dart on ice and snow. 

* And fading, like that varied gleam, 

Is our inconstant shape, 

349. inconstant, changing. 



171- THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Who now like knight and lady seem, 350 

And now like dwarf and ape. 

' It was between the night and day, 

When the Fairy King has power, 
That I sunk down in a sinful fray, 
And 'twixt life and death was snatched away 355 

To the joyless Elfin bower. 

' But wist I of a woman bold, 

Who thrice my brow durst sign, 
I might regain my mortal mould. 

As fair a form as thine.' 360 

She crossed him once — she crossed him twice — 

That lady was so brave ; 
The fouler grew his goblin hue, 

The darker grew the cave. 

She crossed him thrice, that lady bold ; 365 

He rose beneath her hand 
The fairest knight on Scottish mould, 

Her brother, Ethert Brand ! 

Merry it is in good greenwood. 

When the mavis and merle are singing, 370 

But merrier were they in Dunfermline gray, 

When all the bells were ringing. 

357. wist, knew. 

358. durst sign, dare make the sign of the Cross. 

371. Dunfermline, a town on the Firth of Forth not far from 
Edinburgh, the residence of the early kings of Scotland. 



(J AN TO FOURTH 175 

XVI. 

Just as the minstrel sounds were stayed, 

A stranger climbed the steepy glade ; 

His martial step, his stately mien, 375 

His hunting-suit of Lincoln green, 

His eagle glance, remembrance claims — 

'T is Snowdoun's Knight, 'tis James Fitz-James. 

Ellen beheld as in a dream. 

Then, starting, scarce suppressed a scream : :^80 

^ stranger ! in such hour of fear 

What evil hap has brought thee here ? ' 

^An evil hap how can it be 

That bids me look again on thee ? 

By promise bound, my former guide 385 

Met me betimes this morning-tide. 

And marshalled over bank and bourne 

The happy path of my return.' 

' The happy path ! — what ! said he naught 

Of war, of battle to be fought, 390 

Of guarded pass ? ' ' No, by my faith ! 

Nor saw I aught could augur scathe.' 

^ haste thee, Allan, to the kern : 

Yonder his tartans I discern ; 

Learn thou his purpose, and conjure 395 

That he will guide the stranger sure ! — 

What prompted thee, unhappy man ? 

The meanest serf in Roderick's clan 

387. bourne, boundary. 

392. augur scathe, foretell harm. 

398. serf, dependant. 



176 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Had not been bribed, by love or fear, 
Unknown to him to guide thee here.' 40() 

XVII. 

* Sweet Ellen, dear my life must be, 
Since it is worthy care from thee ; 
Yet life I hold but idle breath 

When love or honor 's weighed with death. 

Then let me profit by my chance, 405 

And speak my purpose bold at once. 

I come to bear thee from a wild 

Where ne'er before such blossom smiled. 

By this soft hand to lead thee far 

From frantic scenes of feud and war. 410 

Near Bochastle my horses wait ; 

They bear us soon to Stirling gate. 

I '11 place thee in a lovely bower, 

I '11 guard thee like a tender flower — ' 

* hush, Sir Knight ! 't were female art, 415 
To say I do not read thy heart ; 

Too much, before, my selfish ear 

Was idly soothed my praise to hear, 

That fatal bait hath lured thee back. 

In deathful hour, o'er dangerous track ; 420 

And how, how, can I atone 

The wreck my vanity brought on ! — 

One way remains — I '11 tell him all — 

Yes ! struggling bosom, forth it shall ! 

Thou, whose light folly bears the blame, 425 

Buy thine own pardon with thy shame ! 



LAN TO FOURTH 177 

But first — my father is a man 

Outlawed and exiled, under ban; 

The price of blood is on his head, 

With me 't were infamy to wed. 430 

Still wouldst thou speak ? — then hear the truth ! 

Fitz- James, there is a noble youth — 

If yet he is ! — exposed for me 

And mine to dread extremity — 

Thou hast the secret of my heart ; 435 

Forgive, be generous, and depart ! ' 

XVIII. 

Fitz-James knew every wily train 

A lady's fickle heart to gain. 

But here he knew and felt them vain. 

There shot no glance from Ellen's eye, 440 

To give her steadfast speech the lie ; 

In maiden confidence she stood. 

Though mantled in her cheek the blood, 

And told her love with such a sigh 

Of deep and hopeless agony, 445 

As death had sealed her Malcolm's doom 

And she sat sorrowing on his tomb. 

Hope vanished from Fitz- James's eye. 

But not with hope fled sympathy. 

He proffered to attend her side, 460 

As brother would a sister guide. 

^ little know'st thou Roderick's heart I 

Safer for both we go apart. 

haste thee, and from Allan learn 



178 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

If tliou mayst trust yon wily kern.' 455 

With hand upon his forehead laid, 

The conflict of his mind to shade, 

A parting step or two he madje ; 

Then, as some thought had crossed his brain, 

He paused, and turned, and came again. 4<>o 

XIX. 

^ Hear, lady, yet a parting word ! — 

It chanced in fight that my poor sword 

Preserved the life of Scotland's lord. 

This ring the grateful Monarch gave, 

And bade, when I had boon to crave, 465 

To bring it back, and boldly claim 

The recompense that I would name. 

Ellen, I am no courtly lord, 

But one who lives by lance and sword, 

Whose castle is his helm and shield, 470 

His lordship the embattled field. 

What from a prince can I demand. 

Who neither reck of state nor land ? 

Ellen, thy hand — the ring is thine ; 

Each guard and usher knows the sign. 475 

Seek thou the King without delay ; 

This signet shall secure thy way : 

458. parting, departing. 

465. boon to crave, request to make. 

470. helm, helmet. 

471. lordship, estate, domain. 
473. reck of, care for. 

477. signet, seal ring. 



CANTO FOURTH 179 

And claim thy suit, whate'er it be, 

As ransom of his pledge to me.' 

He placed the golden circlet on, 480 

Paused — kissed her hand — and then was gone. 

The aged Minstrel stood aghast, 

So hastily Fitz-James shot past. 

He joined his guide, and wending down 

The ridges of the mountain brown, 485 

Across the stream they took their way 

That joins Loch Katrine to Achray. 

XX. 

All in the Trosachs' glen was still. 

Noontide was sleeping on the hill : 

Sudden his guide whooped loud and high — 41K) 

' Murdoch ! was that a signal cry ? ' — 

He stammered forth, '■ I shout to scare 

Yon raven from his dainty fare.' 

He looked — he knew the raven's prey, 

His own brave steed : ' Ah ! gallant gray ! 4!»5 

For thee — for me, perchance — 't were well 

We ne'er had seen the Trosachs' dell. — 

Murdoch, move first — but silently ; 

Whistle or whoop, and thou shalt die ! ' 

Jealous and sullen on they fared, 500 

Each silent, each upon his guard. 

500. they fared, they went. [A.-S. faran; Ger. fahren, 
to go.] 



180 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 
XXI. 

Now wound the path its dizzy ledge 

Around a precipice's edge, 

When lo ! a wasted female form, 

Blighted by wrath of sun and storm, 505 

In tattered weeds and wild array, 

Stood on a cliff beside the way, 

And glancing round her restless eye. 

Upon the wood, the rock, the sky. 

Seemed naught to mark, yet all to spy. 5io 

Her brow was wreathed with gaudy broom ; 

With gesture wild she waved a plume 

Of feathers, which the eagles fling 

To crag and cliff from dusky wing ; 

Such spoils her desperate step had sought, 515 

Where scarce was footing for the goat. 

The tartan plaid she first descried, 

And shrieked till all the rocks replied ; 

As loud she laughed when near they drew, 

For then the Lowland garb she knew ; 520 

And then her hands she wildly wrung, 

And then she wept, and then she sung — 

She sung! — the voice, in better time. 

Perchance to harp or lute might chime ; 

506. weeds. Clothing, generally applied to the dress of a 
widow, in the phrase, " widow's zoeef^s." [A.-S. icaed, clothing, 
attire of men or women ; O. E. icede.] 

510. Seemed naught to mark, yet all to spy. She seemed to 
see everything without intelligently recognizing anything. 

519. As loud she laughed. She laughed now as loud as she 
had shrieked before. 



CANTO FOURTH 181 

And now, though strained and roughened, still 525 
Kung wildly sweet to dale and hill. 

XXII. 
SONG 

They bid me sleep, they bid me pray, 

They say my brain is warped and wrung — 

I cannot sleep on Highland brae, 

I cannot pray in Highland tongue. 530 

But were I now where Allan glides, 

Or heard my native Devan's tides, 

So sweetly would I rest, and pray 

That Heaven would close my wintry day ! 

'T was thus my hair they bade me braid, 535 

They made me to the church repair ; 
It was my bridal morn they said. 

And my true" love would meet me there. 
But woe betide the cruel guile 
That drowned in blood the morning smile ! 540 

And woe betide the fairy dream ! 
I only waked to sob and scream. 

XXIIT. 

< Who is this maid ? what means her lay ? 

She hovers o'er the hollow way. 

And flutters wide her mantle gray, 546 

As the lone heron spreads his wing. 

By twilight, o'er a haunted spring.' 

531-532. Allan, Devan, two rivers of Perthshire. 
639. guile, deceit. 



1S2 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

*'Tis Blanche of Devan/ Murdoch said, 

' A crazed and captive Lowland maid, 

Ta'en on the morn she was a bride, 550 

When Roderick forayed Devan-side. 

The gay bridegroom resistance made, 

And felt our Chief's unconquered blade. 

I marvel she is now at large, 

But oft she 'scapes from Maudlin's charge. — ooo 

Hence, brain-sick fool ! ' — He raised his bow : — 

'Now, if thou strik'st her but one blow, 

I '11 pitch thee from the cliff as far 

As ever peasant pitched a bar ! ' 

' Thanks, champion, thanks ! ' the Maniac cried, 560 

And pressed her to Fitz-James's side. 

' See the gray pennons I prepare, 

To seek my true love through the air ! 

I will not lend that savage groom, 

To break his fall, one downy plume I 565 

No ! — deep amid disjointed stones, 

The wolves shall batten on his bones, 

And then shall his detested plaid. 

By bush and brier in mid-air stayed. 

Wave forth a banner fair and free, 570 

Meet signal for their revelry.' 

XXIV. 

' Hush thee, poor maiden, and be still ! * 
' ! thou look'st kindly, and I will. 

551. forayed, raided, plundered. 
667. batten, fatten. 



CANTO FOURTH 183 

Mine eye has dried and wasted been, 

But still it loves the Lincoln green ; 575 

And, though mine ear is all unstrung, 

Still, still it loves the Lowland tongue. 

' For my sweet William was forester true, 
He stole poor Blanche's heart away ! 

His coat it was all of the greenwood hue, 580 

And so blithely he trilled the Lowland lay ! 

^ It was not that I meant to tell . . . 

But thou art wise and guessest well.' 

Then, in a low and broken tone, 

And hurried note, the song went on. 685 

Still on the Clansman fearfully 

She fixed her apprehensive eye, 

Then turned it on the Knight, and then 

Her look glanced w^ildly o'er the glen. 

XXV. 

' The toils are pitched, and the stakes are set, — 590 

Ever sing merrily, merrily; 
The bows they bend, and the knives they whet, 

Hunters live so cheerily. 

' It was a stag, a stag of ten. 

Bearing its branches sturdily ; 595 

He came stately down the glen, — 

Ever sing hardily, hardily. 

590, etc. toils, snares. The " hunters " represent Roderick 
Dhu and his men; the ** stag of ten" is Fitz-James; the 
"wounded doe" is Blanche herself. 



184 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

* It was there he met with a wounded doe, 

She was bleeding deathfully ; 
She warned him of the toils below, 600 

0, so faithfully, faithfully ! 

' He had an eye, and he could heed, — 

Ever sing warily, warily ; 
He had a foot, and he could speed, — 

Hunters watch so narrowly.' 605 

XXVI. 

Eitz-James's mind was passion-tossed. 

When Ellen's hints and fears were lost ; 

But Murdoch's shout suspicion wrought. 

And Blanche's song conviction brought. 

Not like a stag that spies the snare, 610 

But lion of the hunt aware. 

He waved at once his blade on high, 

' Disclose thy treachery, or die ! ' 

Forth at full speed the Clansman flew. 

But in his race his bow he drew. 615 

The shaft just grazed Fitz- James's crest, 

And thrilled in Blanche's faded breast. — 

Murdoch of Alpine ! prove thy speed. 

For ne'er had Alpine's son such need ; 

With heart of fire, and foot of wind, 620 

The fierce avenger is behind ! 

Fate judges of the rapid strife — 

The forfeit death — the prize is life ; 

Thy kindred ambush lies before. 



CANTO FOURTH 185 

Close couched upon the heathery moor ; 625 

Them couldst thou reach ! — it may not be — 

Thine ambuslied kin thou ne'er shalt see, 

The fiery Saxon gains on thee ! — 

Eesistless speeds the deadly thrust, 

As lightning strikes the pine to dust ; 630 

With foot and hand Fitz-James must strain 

Ere he can win his blade again. 

Bent o'er the fallen with falcon eye. 

He grimly smiled to see him die, 

Then slower wended back his way, 635 

Where the poor maiden bleeding lay. 

XXVII. 

She sat beneath the birchen tree, 

Her elbow resting on her knee ; 

She had withdrawn the fatal shaft. 

And gazed on it, and feebly laughed ; 640 

Her wreath of broom and feathers gray, 

Daggled with blood, beside her lay. 

The Knight to stanch the life-stream tried, — 

^ Stranger, it is in vain ! ' she cried. 

' This hour of death has given me more 645 

Of reason's power than years before ; 

For, as these ebbing veins decay, 

My frenzied visions fade away. 

A helpless injured wretch I die. 

And something tells me in thine eye 650 

642. daggled, wet, drenched. 



186 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

That thou wert my avenger born. 

Seest thou this tress ? — 0, still I 've worn 

This little tress of yellow hair, 

Through danger, frenzy, and despair ! 

It once was bright and clear as thine, 055 

But blood and tears have dimmed its shine. 

I will not tell thee when 't was shred, 

Nor from what guiltless victim's head, — 

My brain would turn ! — but it shall wave 

Like plumage on thy helmet brave, 660 

Till sun and wind shall bleach the stain, 

And thou wilt bring it me again. 

I waver still. — God ! more bright 

Let reason beam her parting light ! — 

O, by thy knighthood's honored sign, 665 

And for thy life preserved by mine. 

When thou shalt see a darksome man. 

Who boasts him Chief of Alpine's Clan, 

With tartans broad and shadowy plume, 

And hand of blood, and brow of gloom, 670 

Be thy heart bold, thy weapon strong. 

And wreak poor Blanche of De van's wrong ! — 

They watch for thee by pass and fell . . . 

Avoid the path ... God ! . . . farewell.' 

XXYIII. 

A kindly heart had brave Fitz-James ; 675 

Fast poured his eyes at pity's claims ; 

657. shred, torn off. 



CANTO FOURTH 187 

And now, with mingled grief and ire, 

He saw the murdered maid expire. 

' God, in my need, be my relief. 

As I wreak this on yonder Chief ! ' 680 

A lock from Blanche's tresses fair 

He blended with her bridegroom's hair ; 

The mingled braid in blood he dyed. 

And placed it on his bonnet-side : 

' By Him whose word is truth, I swear, 685 

No other favor will I wear. 

Till this sad token I imbrue 

In the best blood of Eoderick Dhu! — 

But hark ! what means yon faint halloo ? 

The chase is up, — but they shall know, 690 

The stag at bay 's a dangerous foe.' 

Barred from the known but guarded way. 

Through copse and cliffs Fitz-James must stray. 

And oft must change his desperate track, 

By stream and precipice turned back. 695 

Heartless, fatigued, and faint, at length. 

From lack of food and loss of strength, 

He couched him in a thicket hoar. 

And thought his toils and perils o'er : — 

^ Of all my rash adventures past, 700 

This frantic feat must prove the last ! 

Who e'er so mad but might have guessed 



680. wreak, avenge. 

686. favor, a token, as a scarf or ribbon, worn by a knight, 
and the gift of his lady. 

687. imbrue, drench. 



188 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

That all this Highland hornet's nest 
Would muster up in swarms so soon 
As e'er they heard of bands at Doune ? — 705 
■ Like bloodhounds now they search me out, — 
Hark, to the whistle and the shout ! — 
If farther through the wilds I go, 
I only fall upon the foe : 

I '11 couch me here till evening gray, 710 

Then darkling try my dangerous way.' 

XXIX. 

The shades of eve come slowly down. 

The woods are wrapt in deeper brown. 

The owl awakens from her dell, 

The fox is heard upon the fell; 715 

Enough remains of glimmering light 

To guide the wanderer's steps aright, 

Yet not enough from far to show 

His figure to the watchful foe. 

With cautious step and ear awake, 720 

He climbs the crag and threads the brake ; 

And not the summer solstice there 

721. threads the brake, feels his way cautiously and with 
difficulty through the brake. There are probably two ideas in 
this use of the word : going through a narrow passage, taken 
from threading a needle, and winding about in search of a pas- 
sage, from the A.-S. root thraivan, to wind. Cf. wend, from 
wendan, to turn or icind. 

722. not the summer solstice there. The meaning is that the 
greatest heat of summer had no effect in these cold regions. 
The solstice is that point in the ecliptic, or sun's apparent 
course, at which he is farthest from the equator, and appears to 



CANTO FOURTH 189 

Tempered the midnight mountain air, 

But every breeze that swept the wold 

Benumbed his drenched limbs with cold. 725 

In dread, in danger, and alone, 

Famished and chilled, through ways unknown. 

Tangled and steep, he journeyed on ; 

Till, as a rock's huge point he turned, 

A watch-fire close before him burned. 730 

XXX. 

Beside its embers red and clear, 



Basked in his plaid a mountaineer ; 

And up he sprung with sword in hand, — 

^ Thy name and purpose ! Saxon, stand ! ' 

* A stranger.' ' What dost thou require ? ' 735 

' Rest and a guide, and food and lire. 

My life 's beset, my path is lost, 

The gale has chilled my limbs with frost.' 

stand still. [Lat. sol and sto."] The summer solstice is reached 
on the 21st of June; the ivinter solstice on the 22d of Decem- 
ber — the dates of the longest and shortest days respectively. 
The intervening points, where the ecliptic cuts the equinoc- 
tial, are the spring and antumnnl equinoxes [Lat. sequus, and 
nox], reached respectively on the 20th of March and the 2.id of 
September. Then day and night are equal all over the world. 

724. the wold. See note, on 1. 67. 

728. Tangled and steep, refer to ways. 

734. Saxon. The Highlanders called the Lowlanders Shas- 
gunacli or Sassenach, that is, Saxons. The name Saxon is of 
doubtful etymology, being variously derived from (1) the saks 
or sax, their characteristic weapon; (2) the Sacae, a Scythian 
tribe {Dr. Danaldson) ; (3) Sexe, seamen or pirates {Dr. Guest) \ 
(4) O. Ger. sass ; A.-S. saet, an inhabitant, or settler {Adelung). 



190 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

' Art thou a friend to Eoderick? ' ' No.' 

' Thou dar'st not call thyself a foe ? ' 740 

' I dare ! to him and all the band 

He brings to aid his murderous hand.' 

' Bold words ! — but, though the beast of game 

The privilege of chase may claim, 

Though space and law the stag we lend, 745 

Ere hound we slip or bow we bend. 

Who ever reeked, where, how, or when, 

The prowling fox was trapped or slain ? 

Thus treacherous scouts, — yet sure they lie. 

Who say thou cam'st a secret spy ! ' — 750 

*They do, by heaven ! — come Koderick Dhu, 

And of his clan the boldest two. 

And let me but till morning rest, 

I write the falsehood on their crest.' 

' If by the blaze I mark aright, 755 

Thou bear'st the belt and spur of Knight.' 

' Then by these tokens mayst thou know 

Each proud oppressor's mortal foe.' 

' Enough, enough ; sit down and share 

A soldier's couch, a soldier's fare.' 760 

741. I dare ! to him, that is, " I dare call myself a foe to him 
and all the band ichom he brings," etc. 

743. the beast of game, the stag, which is protected by game- 
laws. The construction is peculiar : of game is an attribute to 
beast. The meaning is, the beast which belongs to the class 
called game. The general sense of the passage is : we give the 
stag a fair start, but we show no mercy to the fox. 

751. come Roderick Dhu. The imperative, third person, 
expressing a wish: "Let them come, and let me rest, and I 
write," etc. 



CANTO FOURTH 191 

XXXI. 

He gave him of his Highland cheer, 

The hardened flesh of mountain deer ; 

Dry fuel on the fire he laid, 

And bade the Saxon share his plaid. 

He teuded him like welcome guest, 705 

Then thus his further speech addressed : — 

* Stranger, I am to Eoderick Dhu 

A clansman born, a kinsman true ; 

Each word against his honor spoke 

Demands of me avenging stroke ; 770 

Yet more, — upon thy fate, 't is said, 

A mighty augury is laid. 

It rests with me to wind my horn, — 

Thou art with numbers overborne ; 

It rests with me, here, brand to brand, 775 

Worn as thou art, to bid thee stand: 

But, not for clan, nor kindred's cause, 

Will I depart from honor's laws ; 

To assail a wearied man were shame. 

And stranger is a holy name ; 780 

Guidance and rest, and food and fire. 

In vain he never must require. 

Then rest thee here till dawn of day; 

Myself will guide thee on the way. 

O'er stock and stone, through watch and ward, 785 

Till past Clan-Alpine's outmost guard, 

As far as Coilantogle's ford ; 

784. Myself will guide thee, for I myself. 

787. Coilantogle's ford, a ford near the western extremity of 



192 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

From thence thy warrant is thy sword.^ 

^ I take thy courtesy, by heaven, 

As freely as 't is nobly given ! ' 790 

' Well, rest thee ; for the bittern's cry 

Sings us the lake's wild lullaby.' 

AVitli that he shook the gathered heath, 

And spread his plaid upon the wreath ; 

And the brave foemen, side by side, 795 

Lay peaceful down like brothers tried, 

And slept until the dawning beam 

Purpled the mountain and the stream. 

Loch Veiinachar, across the stream which flows from that lake. 
It is now supei'seded by a footbridge. 

794. wreath, properly a garland or chaplet. [A.-S. lorithan, 
to twist.] In Scotland it is applied to a snowdrift (under the 
various forms icreathe, wrede, ivride, and ree), because the wind 
whirls the snow in blowing it into a heap. In the text it is 
applied to a heap of heather. 



CANTO FIFTH 198 



CANTO FIFTH 
The Combat 



Fair as the earliest beam of eastern light, 
When first, by the bewildered pilgrim spied, 

It smiles upon the dreary brow of night, 
And silvers o'er the torrent's foaming tide, 
And lights the fearful path on mountain-side, — 5 

Fair as that beam, although the fairest far, 
Giving to horror grace, to danger pride. 

Shine martial Faith, and Courtesy's bright star,, 

Through all the wreckful storms that cloud the 
brow of War. 

II. 

That early beam, so fair and sheen, lo 

Was twinkling through the hazel screen. 
When, rousing at its glimmer red, 
Th6 warriors left their lowly bed, 

10. sheen, bright. Sheen is now used as a noun, meaning 
brightness or splendor; but in O. E. scheene, schene, or sheen, 
bright, fair, was used as an adjective : 

*' A Cristofer on his brest of silver schene.'''' 

— Chaucer, Ptol. Canterbury Tales, 1. 115. 

[A.-S. scyne; Ger. schon, beautiful.] 



194 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Looked out upon the dappled sky, 

Muttered their soldier matins by, 16 

And then awaked their fire, to steal, 

As short and rude, their soldier meal. 

That o'er, the Gael around him threw 

His graceful plaid of varied hue, 

And, true to promise, led the way, 20 

By thicket green and mountain gray. 

A wildering path ! — they winded now 

Along the precipice's brow, 

Commanding the rich scenes beneath, 

The windings of the Forth and Teith, 25 

And all the vales between that lie. 

Till Stirling's turrets melt in sky ; 

Then, sunk in copse, their farthest glance 

Gained not the length of horseman's lance. 

'T was oft so steep, the foot was fain 30 

Assistance from the hand to gain ; 

So tangled oft that, bursting through. 

Each hawthorn shed her showers of dew, — 

That diamond dew, so pure and clear, 

It rivals all but Beauty's tear ! 36 

III. 

At length they came where, stern and steep, 
The hill sinks down upon the deep. 

14. dappled, spotted. 

15. by. To be connected with muttered, in the sense of 
through or over. 

17. As short and rude. Supply " as their matins." 

18. That o'er. An absolute phrase : " that being over." 



CANTO FIFTH 195 

Here Vennachar in silver flows, 



There, ridge on ridge, Benledi rose ; 

Ever the hollow path twined on, 40 

Beneath steep bank and threatening stone ; 

A hundred men might hold the post 

With hardihood against a host. 

The, rugged mountain's scanty cloak 

Was dwarfish shrubs of birch and oak, 45 

With shingles bare, and cliffs between, 

And patches bright of bracken green. 

And heather black, that waved so high. 

It held the copse in rivalry. 

But where the lake slept deep and still, 50 

Dank osiers fringed the swamp and hill ; 

And oft both path and hill were torn. 

Where wintry torrent down had borne. 

And heaped upon the cumbered land 

Its wreck of gravel, rocks, and sand. 55 

So toilsome was the road to trace. 

The guide, abating of his pace. 

Led slowly through the pass's jaws, 

And asked Fitz-James by what strange cause 

He sought these wilds, traversed by few, 60 

Without a pass from Roderick Dhu. 



43. hardihood, bravery and firmness. Shakespeare's word is 
hardiment, Chaucer's is hardijnesse. [E. hardy, strong, val- 
iant ; Fr. hardl, akin to A.-S. heard, E. hard.'] 

40. shingles, gravel. 

51. osiers, willow trees. 



196 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

IV. 
' Brave Gael, my pass, in danger tried, 
Hangs in my belt and by my side ; 
Yet, sooth to tell,' the Saxon said, 
' I dreamt not now to claim its aid. 65 

When here, but three days since, I came, 
Bewildered in pursuit of game. 
All seemed as peaceful and as still 
As the mist slumbering on yon hill ; 
Thy dangerous Chief was then afar, 70 

Nor soon expected back from war. 
Thus said, at least, my mountain-guide. 
Though deep perchance the villain lied.' 
' Yet why a second venture try ? ' 
' A warrior thou, and ask me why ! — 75 

Moves our free course by such fixed cause 
As gives the poor mechanic laws ? 
Enough, I sought to drive away 
The lazy hours of peaceful day ; 
Slight cause will then suihce to guide 80 

A Knight's free footsteps far and wide, — 
A falcon flown, a greyhound strayed. 
The merry glance of mountain maid ; 
Or, if a path be dangerous known, 
The danger's self is lure alone.' 85 

V. 

^ Thy secret keep, I urge thee not ; — 
Yet, ere again ye sought this spot. 
Say, heard ye naught of Lowland war, 



CANTO FIFTH 197 

Against Clan- Alpine, raised by Mar ? ' 

' Ko, by my word ; — of bands prepared 90 

To guard King James's sports I heard ; 

Nor doubt I aught, but, when they hear 

This muster of the mountaineer, 

Their pennons will abroad be flung, 

Which else in Doune had peaceful hung.' 96 

' Free be they flung ! for we were loath 

Their silken folds should feast the moth. 

Free be they flung ! — as free shall wave 

Clan- Alpine's pine in banner brave. 

But, stranger, peaceful since you came, lOO 

Bewildered in the mountain-game, 

AVhence the bold boast by which you show 

Vich- Alpine's vowed and mortal foe ? ' 

' Warrior, but yester-morn I knew 

Naught of thy Chieftain, Eoderick Dhu, 106 

Save as an outlawed desperate man, 

The chief of a rebellious clan. 

Who, in the Begent's court and sight, 

With ruffian dagger stabbed a knight ; 

Yet this alone might from his part lio 

Sever each true and loyal heart.' 

VI. 

Wrathful at such arraignment foul, 

Dark lowered the clansman's sable scowl. 

A space he paused, then sternly said, 

* And heardst thou why he drew his blade ? 115 

112. arraignment, accusation. 



198 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Heardst thou that shameful word and blow 

Brought Roderick's vengeance on his foe? 

What recked the Chieftain if he stood 

On Highland heath or Holy-Eood ? 

He rights such wrong where it is given, 120 

If it were in the court of heaven.' 

* Still was it outrage ; — yet, 't is true, 

Not then claimed sovereignty his due ; 

While Albany with feeble hand 

Held borrowed truncheon of command, 125 

The young King, mewed in Stirling tower, 

Was stranger to respect and power. 

But then, thy Chieftain's robber life ! — 

Winning mean prey by causeless strife, 

Wrenching from ruined Lowland swain imo 

His herds and harvest reared in vain, — 

Methinks a soul like thine should scorn 

The spoils from such foul foray borne.' 

VII. 

The Gael beheld him grim the while. 

And answered with disdainful smile: 135 



124. Albany, John Stewart, Duke of Albany, a cousin of 
James IV., was Regent during a part of the minority of James V. 
" There is scarcely a more disorderly period of Scottish history 
than that which succeeded the battle of Flodden, and occupied 
the minority of James V. Feuds of ancient standing broke out 
like old wounds, and every quarrel among the independent 
nobility, which occurred daily, and almost hourly, gave rise to 
fresh bloodshed." — )Sco«^ 

125. truncheon, scepter. 

126. mewed, confined. 



CANTO FIFTH 199 

^ Saxon, from yonder mountain high, 

I marked thee send delighted eye 

Far to the south and east, where lay, 

Extended in succession gay. 

Deep waving fields and pastures green, MO 

With gentle slopes and groves between: — 

These fertile plains, that softened vale, 

Were once the birthright of the Gael ; 

The stranger came with iron hand, 

And from our fathers reft the land. 145 

Where dwell we now ? See, rudely swell 

Crag over crag, and fell o'er fell. 

Ask we this savage hill we tread 

For fattened steer or household bread, 

Ask we for flocks these shingles dry, 150 

And well the mountain might reply, — 

" To you, as to your sires of yore. 

Belong the target and claymore ! 

I give you shelter in my breast. 

Your own good blades must win the rest." 155 

Pent in this fortress of the North, 

Think'st thou we will not sally forth, 

To spoil the spoiler as we may. 

And from the robber rend the prey ? 

Ay, by my soul ! — While on yon plain IGO 

The Saxon rears one shock of grain. 

While of ten thousand herds there strays 

But one along yon river's maze, — 

The Gael, of plain and river heir. 

Shall with strong hand redeem his share. 165 



200 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Where live the mountain Chiefs who hold 
That plundering Lowland field and fold 
Is aught but retribution true ? 
Seek other cause 'gainst Roderick Dhu/ 

VIII. 

Answered Fitz-James : ^ And, if I sought, 170 

Think' st thou no other could be brought ? 

What deem ye of my path waylaid ? 

My life given o'er to ambuscade ? ' 

^ As of a meed to rashness due : 

Hadst thou sent warning fair and true, — 175 

I seek my hound or falcon strayed, 

I seek, good faith, a Highland maid, — 

Free hadst thou been to come and go ; 

But secret path marks secret foe. 

Nor yet for this, even as a spy, 180 

Hadst thou, unheard, been doomed to die, 

Save to fulfil an augury.' 

* Well, let it pass ; nor will I now 

Fresh cause of enmity avow, 

169. Seek other cause 'gainst Roderick Dhu. " So far, indeed, 
was a Creagh, or foray, from being held disgracefnl, that a 
young chief was always expected to show his talents for com- 
mand, so soon as he assumed it, by leading his clan on a suc- 
cessful enterprise of this nature, either against a neighboring 
sept, for which constant feuds usually furnished an apology, or 
against the Saxons or Lowlanders, for which no apology was 
necessary. The Gaels, great traditional historians, never forgot 
that the Lowlands had, at some remote period, been the prop- 
erty of their Celtic forefathers, which furnished an ample vindi- 
cation of all the ravages that they could make on the unfortunate 
districts which lay within their reach." — Scott. 



CANTO FIFTH 201 

To chafe thy mood and cloud thy brow. i8o 

Enough, I am by promise tied 

To match, me with this man of pride : 

Twice have I sought Clan-Alpine's glen 

In peace ; but when I come again, 

I come with banner, brand, and bow, 190 

As leader seeks his mortal foe. 

For love-lorn swain in lady's bower 

Ne'er panted for the appointed hour, 

As I, until before me stand 

This rebel Chieftain and his band ! ' 195 

IX. 

*Have then thy wish!' — He whistled shrill, 

And he was answered from the hill ; 

Wild as the scream of the curlew, 

From crag to crag the signal flew. 

Instant, through copse and heath, arose 200 

Bonnets and spears and bended bows ; 

On right, on left, above, below. 

Sprung up at once the lurking foe ; 

From shingles gray their lances start, 

The bracken bush sends forth the dart, 205 

The rushes and the willow-wand 

Are bristling into axe and brand. 

And every tuft of broom gives life 

192. love-lorn. Lorn is an old English form for lost ; love- 
lorn = forsaken by one's love. 

198. Wild as the scream of the curlew. Wild is an adverb 
(for wildly) modifying flew. The curlew is a water bird, named 
from its cry. [Fr. corlieu.'] 



202 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

To plaided warrior armed for strife. 

That whistle garrisoned the glen 210 

At once with full five hundred men, 

As if the yawning hill to heaven 

A subterranean host had given. 

Watching their leader's beck and will, 

All silent there they stood and still. 215 

Like the loose crags whose threatening mass 

Lay tottering o'er the hollow pass, 

As if an infant's touch could urge 

Their headlong passage down the verge, 

With step and weapon forward flung, 220 

Upon the mountain-side they hung. 

The Mountaineer cast glance of pride 

Along Benledi's living side. 

Then fixed his eye and sable brow 

Full on Fitz-James : ' How say'st thou now ? 225 

These are Clan-Alpine's warriors true ; 

And, Saxon, — I am Koderick Dhu ! ' 

X. 

Fitz-James was brave : — though to his heart 

The life-blood thrilled with sudden start, 

He manned himself with dauntless air, 230 

Eeturned the Chief his haughty stare, 

His back against a rock he bore. 

And firmly placed his foot before : — 

* Come one, come all ! this rock shall fly 

From its firm base as soon as I.' 235 

Sir Eoderick marked, — and in his eyes 



CANTO FIFTH 203 

Respect was mingled with, surprise, 

And the stern joy which warriors feel 

In foeman worthy of their steel. 

Short space he stood — then wa^ed his hand : 240 

Down sunk the disappearing band ; 

Each warrior vanished where he stood, 

In broom or bracken, heath or wood ; 

Sunk brand and spear and bended bow, 

In osiers pale and copses low ; 245 

It seemed as if their mother Earth 

Had swallowed up her warlike birth. 

The wind's last breath had tossed in air 

Pennon and plaid and plumage fair, — 

The next but swept a lone hill-side, 2a0 

Where heath and fern were waving wide : 

The sun's last glance was glinted back 

From spear and glaive, from targe and jack, — 

The next, all unreflected, shone 

On bracken green and cold gray stone. 255 

252. was glinted, was flashed back. But glint [Sc. glent] is 
an intransitive verb, meaning to glance or glide; its use, there- 
fore, as a passive, is improper, or at least unusual : 

" Yet cheerfully thou glinted forth.'''' 

— Burns, To a Mountain Daisy. 

" The rlsin' sun, owre Galston muirs, 
Wi' glorious light was glintin.'''' 

— Burns. 

[Sc. glent, O. E. glissen, Ger. glanzen, to glitter, and gleissen, 
to shine ; same root as glass, glisten, glitter, glance.] last means 
last preceding, not latest or final ; for " the next " follows it. 

253. jack, a spear or pike. Observe that jack and pike are 
applied both to a spearhead and to a voracious fish with a 
pointed snout. 



204 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

XI. 

Fitz-James looked round, — yet scarce believed 

The witness that his sight received ; 

Such apparition well might seem 

Delusion of a dreadful dream. 

Sir Eoderick in suspense he eyed, 260 

And to his look the Chief replied : 

^ Fear naught, nay, that I need not say — 

But — doubt not aught from mine array. 

Thou art my guest ; — I pledged my word 

As far as Coilantogle ford : 265 

Nor would I call a clansman's brand 

For aid against one valiant hand. 

Though on our strife lay every vale 

Rent by the Saxon from the Gael. 

So move we on ; — I only meant 270 

To show the reed on which you leant. 

Deeming this path you might pursue 

259. Delusion . . . dreadful dream. Triple alliteration. 

268. lay, depended, or was at stake. 

270. move we on. Imperative, first person plural, for " let 
us move on." 

272. Deeming tUis path you might pursue. Attributive to 
"you" in the precedin,2: line; but it explains the " reed " there 
referred to, and has the force of an adverbial of cause: "I 
only meant to show that you leant upon a reed, when you 
thought that you might pursue this path without a pass from 
Roderick Dhu." " This incident, like some other passages in 
the poem illustrative of the character of the ancient Gael, is not 
imaginary, but borrowed from fact. The Highlanders, with 
the inconsistency of most nations in the same state, were alter- 
nately capable of great exertions of generosity, and of cruel 
revenge and perfidy." — Scott. 



CANTO FIFTH 205 

Without a pass from Eoderick Dim.' 

They moved ; — I said Fitz-James was brave 

As ever knight that belted glaive, 275 

Yet dare not say that now his blood 

Kept on its wont and tempered flood, 

As, following Roderick's stride, he drew 

That seeming lonesome pathway through. 

Which yet by fearful proof was rife 280 

With lances, that, to take his life, 

Waited but signal from a guide. 

So late dishonored and defied. 

Ever, by stealth, his eye sought round 

The vanished guardians of the ground, 285 

And still from copse and heather deep 

Fancy saw spear and broadsword peep, 

And in the plover's slirilly strain 

The signal whistle heard again. 

Nor breathed he free till far behind 290 

The pass was left ; for then they wind 

Along a wide and level green, 

Where neither tree nor tuft was seen, 

Nor rush nor bush of broom was near, 

To hide a bonnet or a spear. 295 

XII. 

The Chief in silence strode before. 

And reached that torrent's sounding shore, 

Which, daughter of three mighty lakes, 

From Vennachar in silver breaks, 

298. three mighty lakes, Katrine, Achray, and Vennachar. 



206 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Sweeps through the plain, and ceaseless mines 300 

On Bochastle the mouldering lines, 

Where Eome, the Empress of the world, 

Of yore her eagle wings unfurled. 

And here his course tlie Chieftain stayed, 

Threw down his target and his plaid, 305 

And to the Lowland warrior said : 

'Bold Saxon! to his promise just, 

Vich-Alpine has discharged his trust. 

This murderous Chief, this ruthless man, 

This head of a rebellious clan, 310 

Hath led thee safe, through watch and ward. 

Far past Clan-Alpine's outmost guard. 

Now, man to man, and steel to steel, 

A Chieftain's vengeance thou shalt feel. 

See, here all vantageless I stand, 315 

Armed like thyself with single brand ; 

For this is Coilantogle ford. 

And thou must keep thee with thy sword/ 

XIII. 

The Saxon paused : ' I ne'er delayed, 

When foeman bade me draw my blade ; 320 

301. Bochastle. " The torrent which discharges itself from 
Loch Venuachar, the lowest and eastmost of the three lakes 
which form the scenery adjoining to the Trosachs, sweeps 
through a flat and extensive moor called Bochastle. Upon a 
small eminence called the Dua of Bochastle, and, indeed, on 
the plain itself, are some intrenchments which have been 
thought Roman." — Scott. 

315. vantageless, without vayitage ; an abbreviated form of 
advantage. ^ 



CANTO FIFTH 207 

Nay more, brave Chief, I vowed thy death ; 

Yet sure thy fair and generous faith, 

And my deep debt for life preserved, 

A better meed have well deserved : 

Can naught but blood our feud atone ? 325 

Are there no means ? ' — ' No, stranger, none ! 

And hear, — to fire thy flagging zeal, — 

The Saxon cause rests on thy steel ; 

For thus spoke Fate by prophet bred 

Between the living and the dead : 330 

" Who spills the foremost foeman's life, 

His party conquers in the strife." ' 

' Then, by my word,' the Saxon said, 

'The riddle is already read. 

Seek yonder brake beneath the cliff, — 335 

There lies Red Murdoch, stark and stiff. 

Thus Fate hath solved her prophecy ; 

Then yield to Fate, and not to me. 

To James at Stirling let us go, 

When, if thou wilt be still his foe, 340 

Or if the King shall not agree 

To grant thee grace and favor free, 

I plight mine honor, oath, and word 

That, to thy native strengths restored. 

With each advantage shalt thou stand 345 

That aids thee now to guard thy land.^ 

331. Who spills,. etc. See Canto IV. 11. 182-133. 

340. if thou wilt . . . the King shall. Observe the correct 
use of wilt and shall. Wilt indicates that the event lies within 
the power of its subject (Roderick) ; shally that the event lies 
beyond the power of the speaker. 



208 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

XIV. 

Dark lightning flashed from Roderick's eye : 

' Soars thy presumption, then, so high. 

Because a wretched kern ye slew, 

Homage to name to Roderick Dhu? 360 

He yields not, he, to man nor Fate! 

Thou add'st but fuel to my hate ; — 

My clansman's blood demands revenge. 

Not yet prepared ? — By heaven, I change 

My thought, and hold thy valor light 3.55 

As that of some vain carpet knight. 

Who ill deserved my courteous care^ 

And whose best boast is but to wear 

A braid of his fair lady's hair.' 

' I thank thee, Roderick, for the word ! 360 

It nerves my heart, it steels my sword ; 

For I have sworn this braid to stain 

In the best blood that warms thy vein. 

Now, truce, farewell ! and, ruth, begone ! — 

Yet think not that by thee alone, 365 

Proud Chief ! can courtesy be shown ; 

Though not from copse, or heath, or cairn. 

Start at my whistle clansmen stern. 

Of this small horn one feeble blast 

Would fearful odds against thee cast. 370 

But fear not — doubt not — which thou wilt — 

We try this quarrel hilt to hilt.' 

356. carpet knight, a drawing-room knight, one who has not 
known service in the field. 
364. ruth, pity. 



CANTO FIFTH 209 

Then each at once his falchion drew, 
Each on the ground his scabbard threw, 
Each looked to sun and stream and plain 375 
As what they ne'er might see again ; 
Then foot and point and eye opposed, 
In dubious strife they darkly closed. 

XV. 

Ill fared it then with Eoderick Dhu, 

That on the field his targe he threw, 380 

Whose brazen studs and tough bull-hide 

Had death so often dashed aside ; 

For, trained abroad his arms to wield, 

Fitz-James's blade was sword and shield. 

He practised every pass and ward, 385 

To thrust, to strike, to feint, to guard ; 

While less expert, though stronger far, 

The Gael maintained unequal war. 

Three times in closing strife they stood. 

And thrice the Saxon blade drank blood ; 390 

No stinted draught, no scanty tide. 

The gushing flood the tartans dyed. 

Fierce Eoderick felt the fatal drain. 

And showered his blows like wintry rain ; 

And, as firm rock or castle-roof 395 

380. his targe he threw, etc. "A round target of light wood, 
covered with strong leather, and studded with brass or iron, 
was a necessary part of a Highlander's equipment. In charging 
regular troops, they received the thrust of the bayonet in this 
buckler, twisted it aside, and used the broadsword against the 
incumbered soldier." — Scott. 



210 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Against the winter shower is proof, 

The foe, invulnerable still, 

Foiled his wild rage by steady skill ; 

Till, at advantage ta'en, his brand 

Forced Roderick's weapon from his hand, 400 

And backward borne upon the lea, 

Brought the proud Chieftain to his knee. 

XVI. 

* Now yield thee, or by Him who made 

The world, thy heart's blood dyes my blade ! ' 

* Thy threats, thy mercy, I defy ! 405 
Let recreant yield, who fears to die.' 

Like adder darting from his coil, 

Like wolf that dashes through the toil, 

Like mountain-cat who guards her young, 

Full at Fitz-James's throat he sprung ; 410 

Eeceived, but recked not of a wound. 

And locked his arms his foeman round. — 

Now, gallant Saxon, hold thine own ! 

No maiden's hand is round thee thrown ! 

That desperate grasp thy frame might feel 415 

Through bars of brass and triple steel ! 

They tug, they strain ! down, down they go, 

The Gael above, Fitz-James below. 

The Chieftain's gripe his throat compressed, 

His knee was planted on his breast ; 420 

His clotted locks he backward threw, 

406. recreant, coward. 



CANTO FIFTH 211 

xVcross his brow his hand he drew, 

From blood and mist to clear his sight, 

Then gleamed aloft his dagger bright ! 

But hate and fury ill supplied 425 

The stream of life's exhausted tide, 

And all too late the advantage came, 

To turn the odds of deadly game : 

For, while the dagger gleamed on high. 

Reeled soul and sense, reeled brain and eye. 430 

Down came the blow ! but in the heath 

The erring blade found bloodless sheath. 

The struggling foe may now unclasp 

The fainting Chief's relaxing grasp ; 

Unwounded from the dreadful close, 435 

But breathless all, Fitz-James arose. 

XVII. 

He faltered thanks to Heaven for life, 

Bedeemed, unhoped, from desperate strife ; 

Next on his foe his look he cast, 

Whose every gasp appeared his last ; 440 

In Roderick's gore he dipped the braid, — 

' Poor Blanche ! thy wrongs are dearly paid ; 

Yet with thy foe must die, or live, 

The praise that faith and valor give/ 

With that he blew a bugle note, 445 

Undid the collar from his throat, 

Uubonneted, and by the wave 

435. close, grapple. 



212 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Sat down his brow and hands to lave. 

Then faint afar are heard the feet 

Of rushing steeds in gallop fleet ; 450 

The sounds increase, and now are seen 

Four mounted squires in Lincoln green ; 

Two who bear lance, and two who lead 

By loosened rein a saddled steed ; 

Each onward held his headlong course, 455 

And by Fitz- James reined up his horse, — 

With wonder viewed the bloody spot, — 

' Exclaim not, gallants ! question not. — 

You, Herbert and Luffness, alight, 

And bind the wounds of yonder knight ; 4(iO 

Let the gray palfrey bear his weight, 

We destined for a fairer freight, 

And bring him on to Stirling straight ; 

I will before at better speed. 

To seek fresh horse and fitting weed. 465 

The sun rides high ; — I must be boune 

To see the archer-game at noon ; 

But lightly Bayard clears the lea. — 

De Vaux and Herries, follow me. 

XVIII. 

' Stand, Bayard, stand ! ' — the steed obeyed, 470 
With arching neck and bended head, 
And glancing eye and quivering ear, 
As if he loved his lord to hear. 

461. palfrey, a lady's saddle-horse. 



CANTO FIFTH . 213 

No foot Fitz- James in stirrup stayed, 

No grasp upon the saddle laid, 475 

But wreathed his left hand in the mane, 

And lightly bounded from the X-)lain, 

Turned on the horse his armed heel. 

And stir]-ed his courage with the steel. 

Bounded the fiery sceed in air, 4.so 

The rider sat erect and fair. 

Then like a bolt from steel crossbow 

Forth launched, along the plain they go. 

They dashed that rapid torrent through, 

And up Carhonie's hill they flew ; 485 

Still at the gallop pricked the Knight, 

His merrymen followed as they might. 

Along thy banks, swift Teith ! they ride, 

And in the race they mock thy tide ; 

Torry and Lendrick now are past, 490 

And Deanstown lies behind them cast ; 

They rise, the bannered towers of Doune, 

They sink in distant woodland soon ; 

Blair-Drummond sees the hoofs strike fire. 

They sweep like breeze through Ochtertyre ; 495 

They mark just glance and disappear 

The lofty brow of ancient Kier ; 

They bathe their coursers' sweltering sides. 

Dark Forth ! amid thy sluggish tides, 

And on the opposing shore take ground, 600 

With plash, with scramble, and with bound. 

Right-hand they leave thy cliffs, Craig-Forth ! 

And soon the bulwark of the North, 



214 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Gray Stirling, with, her towers and town, 

Upon their fleet career looked down. 605 

XIX. 

As up the flinty path they strained, 

Sudden his steed the leader reined ; 

A signal to his squire he flung, 

Who instant to his stirrup sprung : — 

* Seest thou, De Vaux, yon woodsman gray, 5io 

Who townward holds the rocky way. 

Of stature tall and poor array ? 

Mark'st thou the firm, yet active stride, 

With which he scales the mountain-side ? 

Know'st thou from whence he comes, or whom ? ' 5J5 

' No, by my word ; — a burly groom 

He seems, who in the field or chase 

A baron's train would nobly grace — ' 

' Out, out, De Vaux ! can fear supply, 

And jealousy, no sharper eye? 520 

Afar, ere to the hill he drew, 

That stately form and step I knew; 

Like form in Scotland is not seen, 

Treads not such step on Scottish green. 

'T is James of Douglas, by Saint Serle ! 525 

The uncle of the banished Earl. 

525. 'T is James of Douglas. "Wliea Douglas of Kilspindie 
returned from exile, to throw himself on the clemency of his 
former pupil, King James, he was recognized in a similar way hy 
the King. " As James returned from hunting in the park at Stir- 
ling, he saw a person at a distance, and, turning to his nobles, 
exclaimed, ' Yonder is my Graysteil. Archibald of Kilspindie.' " 



CANTO FIFTH 215 

Away, away, to court, to show 

The near approach of dreaded foe : 

The King must stand upon his guard ; 

Douglas and he must meet prepared.' 530 

Then right-hand wheeled their steeds, and straight 

They won the Castle's postern gate. 

XX. 

The Douglas, w^ho had bent his way 

From Cambus-kenneth's abbey gray, 

Now, as he climbed the rocky shelf, 535 

Held sad communion with himself : — 

' Yes ! all is true my fears could frame \ 

A prisoner lies the noble Graeme, 

And fiery Roderick soon will feel 

The vengeance of the royal steel. 640 

I, only I, can ward their fate, — 

God grant the ransom come not late! 

The Abbess hath her promise given. 

My child shall be the bride of Heaven ; — 

Be pardoned one repining tear ! 545 

For He w^ho gave her knows how dear, 

How excellent ! — but that is by. 

And now my business is — to die. — 

Ye towers ! within whose circuit dread 

A Douglas by his sovereign bled ; 550 

And thou, sad and fatal mound ! 

550. A Douglas by his sovereign bled. William, Earl of 
Douglas, was slain by James II. at Stirling, in 1452. 

551. fatal mound, an eminence on the northeast of the Castle, 
where state criminals were executed, called the " Heading-hill." 



216 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

That oft hast heard the death-axe sound, 

As on the noblest of the land 

Fell the stern headsman's bloody hand, — 

The dungeon, block, and nameless tomb 555 

Prepare — for Douglas seeks his doom ! 

But hark ! what blithe and jolly peal 

Makes the Franciscan steeple reel ? 

And see ! upon the crowded street, 

In motley groups what masquers meet ! 560 

Banner and pageant, pipe and drum, 

And merry morrice-dancers come. 

I guess, by all this quaint array. 

The burghers hold their sports to-day. 

James will be there ; he loves such show, 565 

Where the good yeoman beuds his bow, 

And the tough wrestler foils his foe. 

As well as where, in proud career, 

The high-born tilter shivers spear. 

I '11 follow to the Castle-park, 570 

And play my prize ; — King James shall mark 

If age has tamed these sinews stark, 

562. morrice-dancers. The morrice-dance was a dance of 
Moorish origin, in wliicli bells and rattles were introduced. 

564. The burghers hold their sports to-day. " Every burgh 
in Scotland of the least note, but more especially the considera- 
ble towns, had their solemn play or festival, when feats of arch- 
ery were exhibited, and prizes distributed to those who excelled 
in wrestling, hurling the bar, and the other gymnastic exercises 
of the period. The usual prize to the best shooter was a silver 
arrow." 

570. I'll . . . play my prize. I '11 exercise my skill in com- 
peting for the prize. 

572. If, whether. 



CANTO FIFTH 217 

Whose force so oft in happier days 
His boyish wonder loved to praise/ 

XXI. 

The Castle gates were open flung, 575 

The quivering drawbridge rocked and rung, 

And, echoed loud the flinty street 

r>eneath the coursers' clattering feet, 

As slowly down the steep descent 

Fair Scotland's King and nobles went, 580 

While all along the crowded way 

AVas jubilee and loud huzza. 

And ever James was bending low 

To his white jennet's saddle-bow, 

Dofling his cap to city dame, 585 

Who smiled and blushed for pride and shame. 

And well the simperer might be vain, — 

He chose the fairest of the train. 

Gravely he greets each city sire, 

(yommends each pageant's quaint attire, 590 

Gives to the dancers thanks aloud, 

And smiles and nods upon the crowd. 

Who rend the heavens with their acclaims, — 

* Long live the Commons' King, King James!' 

574. His boyish wonder. When the king was a boy, the 

Douglas had been his tutor in manly sports. 

584. jennet, a small Spanish horse. 

585. Doffing, taking off. Z)q^'= do off, as (?o/z = do on. 

594. Commons' King. Scott says, " James's ready participa- 
tion in these popular amusements was one cause of his acquir- 
ing the title of King of the Commons, or Rex Plebeiorum, as 
Lesley has Latiiii/ed il." 



218 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Behind the King thronged peer and knight, 595 

And noble dame and damsel bright, 

Whose fiery steeds ill brooked the stay 

Of the steep street and crowded way. 

But in the train you might discern 

Dark lowering brow and visage stern ; 600 

There nobles mourned their pride restrained, 

And the mean burgher's joys disdained; 

And chiefs, who, hostage for their clan, 

Were each from home a banished man, 

There thought upon their own gray tower, 605 

Their waving woods, their feudal power, 

And deemed themselves a shameful part 

Of pageant which they cursed in heart. 

XXII. 

Now, in the Castle-park, drew out 

Their checkered bands the joyous rout. 610 

There morricers, with bell at heel 

And blade in hand, their mazes wheel ; 

But chief, beside the butts, there stand 

Bold Robin Hood and all his band, — 

603. hostage, a person given as security for the performance 
of the conditions of a treaty or of stipulations of any kind on 
the performance of which the person is to be released. 

606. feudal power. Under the feudal S5^stem the lord had 
power to command the services of his tenants in time of war. 

610. checkered bands, groups in gay dresses. 

613. butts, targets. 

614. Robin Hood, a noted English outlaw of the time of King 
Richard I. "The exhibition of this renowned outlaw and his 
band was a favorite frolic at such festivals as we are describ- 



CANTO FIFTH 210 

Friar Tuck with quarterstaff and cowl, hj5 

Old Scathelocke with his surly scowl, 

Maid Marian, fair as ivory bone, 

Scarlet, and Mutch, and Little John ; 

Their bugles challenge all that will, 

In archery to prove their skill. 620 

The Douglas bent a bow of might, — 

His first shaft centred in the white. 

And when in turn he shot again, 

His second split the first in twain. 

From the King's hand must Douglas take (i25 

A silver dart, the archer's stake ; 

Fondly he watched, with watery eye. 

Some answering glance of sympathy, — 

No kind emotion made reply ! 

Indifferent as to archer wight, 630 

The monarch gave the arrow bright. 

ing. This sporting, in which kings did not disdain to be actors, 
was prohibited in Scotland upon the Reformation, by a statute 
of the Sixth Parliament of Queen Mary, which ordered, under 
heavy penalties, that ' na manner of person be chosen Robert 
Hude, nor. Little John, Abbot of Unreason, Queen of May, nor 
otherwise.' But in 15()1 the ' rascal multitude,' says John 
Knox, * were stirred up to make a Robin Hude, whilk enormity 
was of many years left and damned by statute and act of 
Parliament; yet would they not be forbidden.' Accordingly 
they raised a very serious tumult, and at length made prisoners 
the magistrates who endeavored to suppress it, and would not 
release them till they extorted a formal promise that no one 
should be punished for his share of the disturbance." 

615. quarterstaff. A long and stout staff formerly used as a 
weapon of offense and defense, cowl, a monk's hood. 

615-618. Friar Tuck, Old Scathelocke, Maid Marian, and the 
rest were companions of Robin Hood. See Scott's Ivanhoe. 

630. archer wight, common archer. 



220 THE LAJty OF THE LAKE 

XXIII. 

Now, clear the ring ! for, hand to hand, 

The manly wrestlers take their stand. 

Two o'er the rest superior rose. 

And proud demanded mightier foes, — 030 

Nor called in vain, for Douglas came. — 

For life is Hugh of Larbert lame ; 

Scarce better John of Alloa's fare. 

Whom senseless home his comrades bare. 

Prize of the wrestling match, the King H4() 

To Douglas gave a golden ring. 

While coldly glanced his eye of blue. 

As frozen drop of wintry dew, 

Douglas would speak, but in his breast 

His struggling soul his words suppressed; 645 

Indignant then he turned him where 

Their arms the brawny yeomen bare, 

To hurl the massive bar in air. 

When each his utmost strength had shown, 

The Douglas rent an earth-fast stone ^ 650 

From, its deep bed, then heaved it high. 

And sent the fragment through the sky 

A rood beyond the farthest mark ; 

And still in Stirling's royal park. 

The gray -haired sires, who know the past, G5r. 

To strangers point the Douglas cast. 

And moralize on the decay 

Of Scottish strength in modern day. 

641. golden ring. "The usual prize in wrestling was a ram 
and a ring, but the animal would have embarrassed my story." 
— Scott. 



CANTO FIFTH 221 

XXIV. 

The vale with loud applauses rang, 

The Ladies' Eock sent back the clang. 660 

The King, with look unmoved, bestowed 

A purse well filled with pieces broad. 

Indignant smiled the Douglas proud, 

And threw the gold among the crowd, 

Who now with anxious wonder scan, 665 

And sharper glance, the dark gray man ; 

Till whispers rose among the throng, 

That heart so free, and hand so strong. 

Must to the Douglas blood belong. 

The old men marked and shook the head, (570 

To see his hair with silver spread, 

And winked aside, and told each son 

Of feats upon the English done. 

Ere Douglas of the stalwart hand 

Was exiled from his native land. 675 

The women praised his stately form, 

Though wrecked by many a winter's storm; 

The 3^outh with awe and wonder saw 

His strength surpassing Nature's law. 

Thus judged, as is their wont^ the crowd, 680 

Till murmurs rose to clamors loud. 

But not a glance from that proud ring 

Of peers who circled round the King 

With Douglas held communion kind, 

Or called the banished man to mind ; 685 

660. The Ladies' Rock, a small hill near the Castle, from 
which the ladies watched the games. 



222 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

No, not from those who at the chase 

Once held his side the honored place, 

Begirt his board, and in the field 

Found safety underneath his shield ; 

For he whom royal eyes disown, «w 

When was his form to courtiers known ! 

XXV. 

The Monarch saw the gambols flag, 

And bade let loose a gallant stag. 

Whose x^ride, the holiday to crown. 

Two favorite greyhounds should pull down, ()'.>5 

That venison free and Bourdeaux wine 

Might serve the archery to dine. 

But Lufra, — whom from Douglas' side 

Nor bribe nor threat could e'er divide, 

The fleetest hound in all the North, —- 700 

Brave Lufra saw, and darted forth. 

She left the royal hounds midway. 

And dashing on the antlered prey. 

Sunk her sharp muzzle in his flank. 

And deep the flowing life-blood drank. 705 

The King's stout huntsman saw the sport 

By strange intruder broken short, 

Came up, and with his leash unbound 

In anger struck the noble hound. 

The Douglas had endured, that morn, 7io 

The King's cold look, the nobles' scorn, 

And last, and worse to spirit proud, 

Had borne the pity of the crowd j 



CANTO FIFTH 223 

But Lufra had been fondly bred, 

To share his board, to watch his bed, 715 

And oft would Ellen Lufra's neck 

In maiden glee with garlands deck ; 

They were such playmates that with name 

Of Lufra Ellen's image came. 

His stifled wrath is brimming high, 720 

In darkened brow and flashing eye ; 

As waves before the bark divide. 

The crowd gave way before his stride ; 

Needs but a buffet and no more. 

The groom lies senseless in his gore. 725 

Such blow no other hand could deal, 

Though gauntleted in glove of steel. 

XXVI. 

Then clamored loud the royal train, 

And brandished swords and staves amain, 

But stern the Baron's warning : ' Back ! 730 

Back, on your lives, ye menial pack! 

Beware the Douglas. — Yes ! behold, 

King James ! The Douglas, doomed of old. 

And vainly sought for near and far, 

A victim to atone the war, 735 

A willing victim, now attends. 

Nor craves thy grace but for his friends. — ' 

'Thus is my clemency repaid? 

Presumptuous Lord ! ' the Monarch said : 

' Of thy misproud ambitious clan, 740 

740. misproud, with false pride. Cf. 3 King Henry VI. II. v. 7 : 

" Strengthening misproud York.'' 



224 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Thou, James of Bothwell, wert the man, 

The only man, in whom a foe 

My woman-mercy would not know ; 

But shall a Monarch's presence brook 

Injurious blow and haughty look? — 745 

What ho ! the Captain of our Guard ! 

Give the offender fitting ward. — 

Break off the sports ! ' — for tumult rose, 

And yeomen 'gan to bend their bows, — 

' Break off the sports ! ' he said and frowned, 750 

'And bid our horsemen clear the ground.' 

XXVII. 

Then uproar wild and misarray 

Marred the fair form of festal day. 

The horsemen pricked among the crowd, 

Kepelled by threats and insult loud ; 755 

To earth are borne the old and weak, 

The timorous fly, the women shriek ; 

With flint, with shaft, with staff, with bar, 

The hardier urge tumultuous war. 

At once round Douglas darkly sweep 760 

The royal spears in circle deep, 

And slowly scale the pathway steep, 

While on the rear in thunder pour 

The rabble with disordered roar. 

With grief the noble Douglas saw 765 

The Commons rise against the law. 

747. ward. Confinement under guard. 



CANTO FIFTH 225 

And to the leading soldier said : 

* Sir John of Hyndford, 't was my blade 

That knighthood on thy shoulder laid ; 

For that good deed permit me then 770 

A word with these misguided men. — 

XXVIII. 

' Hear, gentle friends, ere yet for me 

Ye break the bands of fealty. 

My life, my honor, and my cause, 

I tender free to Scotland's laws. 775 

Are these so weak as must require 

The aid of your misguided ire ? 

Or if I suffer causeless wrong, 

Is then my selfish rage so strong, 

My sense of public weal so low, 780 

That, for mean vengeance on a foe, 

Those cords of love I should unbind 

Which knit my country and my kind ? 

no ! Believe, in yonder tower 

It will not soothe my captive hour, 785 

To know those spears our foes should dread 

For me in kindred gore are red : 

To know, in fruitless brawl begun, 

For me that mother wails her son, 

For me that. widow's mate expires, 790 

769. knighthood. Knighthood was conferred by the king or 
his representative by a stroke with the flat of the sword on the 
candidate's shoulder. 

773. fealty, loyalty. 



226 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

For me that orphans weep their sires, 

That patriots mourn insulted laws, 

And curse the Douglas for the cause. 

let your patience ward such ill, 

And keep your right to love me still ! ^ 795 

XXIX. 

The crowd's wild fury sunk again 

In tears, as tempests melt in rain. 

With lifted hands and eyes, tliey prayed 

For blessings on his generous head 

Who for his country felt alone, 800 

And prized her blood beyond his own. 

Old men upon the verge of life 

Blessed him who stayed the civil strife ; 

And mothers held their babes on high. 

The self-devoted Chief to spy, 805 

Triumphant over wrongs and ire, 

To whom the prattlers owed a sire. 

Even the rough soldier's heart was moved ; 

As if behind some bier beloved, 

With trailing arms and drooping head, 8io 

The Douglas up the hill he led, 

And at the Castle's battled verge, 

With sighs resigned his honored charge. 

794. ward. Here, ward off. 

812. battled, with battlements, verge, limits. 



CANTO FIFTH 227 

XXX. 

The offended Monarch rode apart, 

With bitter thought and swelling heart, 815 

And would not now vouchsafe again 

Through Stirling streets to lead his train. 

^ Lennox, who would wish to rule 

This changeling crowd, this common fool ? 

Hear'st thou,' he said, ' the loud acclaim 820 

With which they shout the Douglas name ? 

With like acclaim the vulgar throat 

Strained for King James their morning note ; 

With like acclaim they hailed the day 

When first I broke the Douglas sway ; 825 

And like acclaim would Douglas greet 

If he could hurl me from my seat. 

Who o'er the herd would wish to reign, 

Fantastic, fickle, fierce, and vain? 

Vain as the leaf upon the stream, 830 

And fickle as a changeful dream ; 

Fantastic as a woman's mood, 

And fierce as Frenzy's fevered blood. 

Thou many-headed monster-thing, 

who would wish to be thy king ? — 835 

XXXI. . 

^ But soft ! what messenger of speed 
Spurs hitherward his panting steed ? 

1 guess his cognizance afar — 

838. cognizance, the distinguishing mark worn by an armed 
knight, and sometimes by his dependents. 



22a THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

What from our cousin, John of Mar ? ' 

' He prays, my liege, your sports keep bound 840 

Within the safe and guarded ground ; 

For some foul purpose yet unknown, — 

Most sure for evil to the throne, — 

The outlawed Chieftain, Roderick Dhu, 

Has summoned his rebellious crew ; 845 

'T is said, in James of Both well's aid 

These loose banditti stand arrayed. 

The Earl of Mar this morn from Doune 

To break their muster march, and soon 

Your Grace will hear of battle fought ; 850 

But earnestly the Earl besought, 

Till for such danger he provide. 

With scanty train you will not ride.' 

XXXII. 

^Thou warn'st me I have done amiss, — 

I should have earlier looked to this ; 855 

I lost it in this bustling day. — 

Retrace with speed thy former way ; 

Spare not for spoiling of thy steed, 

The best of mine shall be thy meed. 

Say to our faithful Lord of Mar, 860 

We do forbid the intended war; 

Roderick this morn in single fight 

Was made our prisoner by a knight, 

And Douglas hath himself and cause 

847. banditti, outlawed robbers. 



CANTO FIFTH 229 

Submitted to our kingdom's laws. 865 

The tidiugs of their leaders lost 

Will soon dissolve the mountain host, 

Nor would we that the vulgar feel, 

For their Chief's crimes, avenging steel. 

Bear Mar our message, Braco, fly ! ' 870 

He turned his steed, — ' My liege, I hie. 

Yet ere I cross this lily lawn 

I fear the broadswords will be drawn.' 

The turf the flying courser spurned. 

And to his towers the King returned. 875 

XXXIII. 

Ill with King James's mood that day 

Suited gay feast and minstrel lay ; 

Soon were dismissed the courtly throng. 

And soon cut short the festal song. 

Nor less upon the saddened town 880 

The evening sunk in sorrow down. 

The burghers spoke of civil jar. 

Of rumored feuds and mountain war. 

Of Moray, Mar, and Roderick Dhu, 

All up in arms ; — the Douglas too, 885 

They mourned him pent within the hold, 

^ Where stout Earl William was of old.' — 

And there his word the speaker stayed, 

And finger on his lip he laid, 

Or pointed to his dagger blade. 890 

8G8. vulgar, the common people. 

887. Earl William. See note on 1. 650, above. 



230 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

But jaded horsemen from the west 

At evening to the Castle pressed, 

And busy talkers said they bore 

Tidings of fight on Katrine's shore ; 

At noon the deadly fray begun, 895 

And lasted till the set of sun. 

Thus giddy rumor shook the town, 

Till closed the Night her pennons brown. 



CANTO SIXTH 231 



CANTO SIXTH 
The Guard-Room 



The sun, awakening, through the smoky air 

Of the dark city casts a sullen glance. 
Rousing each caitiff to his task of care, 

Of sinful man the sad inheritance ; 

Summoning revellers from the lagging dance, 5 
Scaring the prowling robber to his den ; 

Gilding on battled tower the warder's lance. 
And warning student pale to leave his pen. 
And yield his drowsy eyes to the kind nurse of men. 

What various scenes, and 0, what scenes of woe, lo 
Are witnessed by that red and struggling beam ! 

The fevered patient, from his pallet low, 

Through crowded hospital beholds its stream ; 
The ruined maiden trembles at its gleam, 

3. caitiff. An unfortunate or wretched man ; not in this 
case in its opprobrious sense of a despicable fellow. [O. F. 
caytif, wretclied; Fr. chetif ; It. cattivo ; Lat. captivus, from 
capio, I take; E. captive.] 

9. the kind nurse of men. Sleep. Cf . : 

" Sleep ! O gentle sleep 1 
Nature's soft rmrse." 

-2 Henry IV. III. i. 6. 



232 THE LADY OF THE . LAKE 

The debtor wakes to thought of gyve and jail, 15 
The love-lorn wretch starts from tormenting dream ; 
The wakeful mother, by the glimmering pale. 
Trims her sick infant's couch, and soothes his feeble 
wail. 

II. 

At dawn the towers of Stirling rang 

With soldier-step and weapon-clang, 20 

While drums with rolling note foretell 

Relief to weary sentinel. 

Through narrow loop and casement barred, 

The sunbeams sought the Court of Guard, 

And, struggling with the smoky air, 25 

Deadened the torches' yellow glare. 

In comfortless alliance shone 

The lights through arch of blackened stone, 

And showed wild shapes in garb of war, 

Faces deformed with beard and scar, 30 

All haggard from the midnight watch, 

And fevered with the stern debauch ; 

For the oak table's massive board, 

Flooded with wine, with fragments stored, 

And beakers drained, and cups o'erthrown, 35 

Showed in what sport the night had flown. 

Some, weary, snored on floor and bench; 

Some labored still their thirst to quench ; 

Some, chilled with watching, spread their hands 

15. gyve, fetter. 

23. loop, loophole. 

35. beakers, drinking goblets. 



CANTO SIXTH 233 

O'er the huge chimney's dying brands, 40 

While round them, or beside them flung, 
At every step their harness rung. 

III. 

These drew not for their fields the sword, 

Like tenants of a feudal lord, 

Nor owned the patriarchal claim 45 

Of Chieftain in their leader's name ; 

Adventurers they, from far who roved, 

To live by battle which they loved. 

There the Italian's clouded face, 

The swarthy Spaniard's there you trace ; 50 

The mountain-loving Switzer there 

More freely breathed in mountain-air; 

The Fleming there despised the soil 

That paid so ill the laborer's toil ; 

Their rolls showed French and German name ; 65 

And merry England's exiles came, 

To share, with ill-concealed disdain. 

Of Scotland's pay the scanty gain. 

All brave in arms, well trained to wield 

42. harness, equipment. 

47. Adventurers. " The Scottish army consisted chiefly of 
the uobihty and barons, with their vassals, who held lands 
under them for military service by themselves and their 
tenants. James V. seems first to have introduced, in addition 
to the militia furnished from these sources, the service of a 
small number of mercenaries, who formed a bodyguard, called 
the Foot-band. I have chosen to give them the harsh features 
of the mercenary soldiers of the period." 

53. Fleming, an inhabitant of Flanders, now a part of Bel- 
gium. 



234 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

The heavy halberd, brand, and shield; 60 

In camps licentious, wild, and bold ; 
In pillage fierce and uncontrolled; 
And now, by holytide and feast, 
From rules of discipline released. 

IV. 

They held debate of bloody fray, 65 

Fought 'twixt Loch Katrine and Achray. 

Fierce was their speech, and mid their words 

Their hands oft grappled to their swords ; 

Nor sunk their tone to spare the ear 

Of wounded comrades groaning near, 7o 

Whose mangled limbs and bodies gored 

Bore token of the mountain sword. 

Though, neighboring to the Court of Guard, 

Their prayers and feverish wails were heard, — 

Sad burden to the ruffian joke, 75 

And savage oath by fury spoke ! — - 

At length up started John of Brent, 

A yeoman from the banks of Trent ; 

A stranger to respect or fear. 

In peace a chaser of the deer, 80 

In host a hardy mutineer. 

But still the boldest of the crew 

When deed of danger was to do. 

He grieved that day their games cut short, 

And marred the dicer's brawling sport, 86 

81. In host, in the army. 



CANTO SIXTH 235 

And shouted loud, ' Keuew the bowl ! 
And, while a merry catch I troll, 
Let each the buxom chorus bear, 
Like brethren of the brand and spear.' 

VI. 

The warder's challenge, heard without, 

Stayed in mid-roar the merry shout. 

A soldier to the portal went, — lio 

* Here is old Bertram, sirs, of Ghent ; 

And — beat for jubilee the drum ! — 

A maid and minstrel with him come.' 

Bertram, a Fleming, gray and scarred. 

Was entering now the Court of Guard, 115 

A harper with him, and, in plaid 

All muffled close, a mountain maid. 

Who backward shrunk to 'scape the view 

Of the loose scene and boisterous crew. 

< What news ? ' they roared : — 'I only know, 120 

From noon till eve we fought with foe. 

As wild and as untamable 

As the rude mountains where they dwell ; 

On both sides store of blood is lost, 

Nor much success can either boast.' — 125 

^ But whence thy captives, friend ? such spoil 

As theirs must needs reward thy toil. 

Old dost thou wax, and wars grow sharp ; 

87. catch, song, troll, sing. 

88. buxom, lively. 

111. Ghent) a Flemish city. 



236 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Thou now hast glee-maiden and harp ! 

Get thee an ape, and trudge the land, 130 

The leader of a juggler band.' 

VII. 

* No, comrade ; — no such fortune mine. 

After the fight these sought our line, 

That aged harper and the girl, 

And, having audience of the Earl, 135 

Mar bade I should purvey them steed, 

And bring them hitherward with speed. 

Forbear your mirth and rude alarm, 

For none shall do them shame or harm.' — 

' Hear ye his boast ? ' cried John of Brent, 140 

Ever to strife and jangling bent; 

' Shall he strike doe beside our lodge. 

And yet the jealous niggard grudge 

To pay the forester his fee ? 

I '11 have my share howe'er it be, 145 

Despite of Moray, Mar, or thee.' 

Bertram his forward step withstood; 

And, burning in his vengeful mood. 

Old Allan, though unfit for strife. 

Laid hand upon his dagger-knife ; 150 

131. juggler. "The jongleurs, or jugglers, used to call in 
the aid of various assistants, to render these performances as 
captivating as possible. The glee-maiden was a necessary 
attendant. Her duty was tumbling and dancing. In Scotland 
these poor creatures seem, even at a late period, to have been 
bondswomen to their masters." — Scott. 

136. purvey, provide. 

143. niggard, stingy. 



CANTO SIXTH 237 

But Ellen boldly stepped between, 

And dropped at once the tartan screen : — 

So, from his morning cloud, appears 

The sun of May through summer tears. 

The savage soldiery, amazed, 155 

As on descended angel gazed; 

Even hardy Brent, abashed and tamed, 

Stood half admiring, half ashamed. 

VIII. 

Boldly she spoke : ' Soldiers, attend ! 

My father was the soldier's friend, I60 

Cheered him in camps, in marches led. 

And with him in the battle bled. 

Not from the valiant or the strong 

Should exile's daughter suffer wrong.' 

Answered De Brent, most forward still leri 

In every feat or good or ill : 

' I shame me of the part I played ; 

And thou an outlaw's child, poor maid ! 

An outlaw I by forest laws. 

And merry Need wood knows the cause. 170 

Poor Rose, — if Rose be living now,' — 

He wiped his iron eye and brow, — 

' Must bear such age, I think, as thou. — 

Hear ye, my mates ! I go to call 

The Captain of our watch to hall : 175 

There lies my halberd on the floor ; 

170. Needwood, a royal forest in StafFordshire, England. 



238 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

And he that steps my halberd o'er, 

To do the maid injurious part, 

My shaft shall quiver in his heart ! 

Beware loose speech, or jesting rough ; 180 

Ye all know John de Brent. Enough.' 

IX. 

Their Captain came, a gallant young, — 

Of TuUibardine's house he sprung, — 

Nor wore he yet the spurs of knight ; 

Gay was his mien, his humor light, 185 

And, though by courtesy controlled, 

Forward his speech, his bearing bold. 

The high-born maiden ill could brook 

The scanning of his curious look 

And dauntless eye : — and yet, in sooth, 190 

Young Lewis was a generous youth ; 

But Ellen's lovely face and mien, 

111 suited to the garb and scene. 

Might lightly bear construction strange, 

And give loose fancy scope to range. 195 

^ Welcome to Stirling towers, fair maid ! 

Come ye to seek a champion's aid, 

On palfrey white, with harper hoar, 

183. TuUibardine's house. The family of Murray. The 
earliest title of the ducal house of Atholl was Baron Murray 
of Tullibardine. Tullibardine Castle is near Auchterarder in 
Perthshire. 

193. Ill suited to the garb and scene. In form, an attribute 
to face and mien, but logically an adverbial of cause to might 
bear = being ill suited, i.e., because it was ill suited. 



CANTO SIXTH 230 

Like errant damosel of yore ? 

Does thy high quest a knight require, 200 

Or may the venture suit a squire ? ' 

Her dark eye flashed; — she paused and sighed: — 

' what have I to do with pride ! — 

Through scenes of sorrow, shame, and strife, 

A suppliant for a father's life, 205 

I crave an audience of the King. 

Behold, to back my suit, a ring, 

The royal pledge of grateful claims, 

Given by the Monarch to Fitz-James.' 

X. 

The signet-ring young Lewis took 210 

With deep respect and altered look, 

And said : ' This ring our duties own ; 

And pardon, if to worth unknown. 

In semblance mean obscurely veiled, 

Lady, in aught my folly failed. 215 

Soon as the day flings wide his gates. 

The King shall know what suitor waits. 

Please you meanwhile in fitting bower 

Eepose you till his waking hour ; 

Female attendance shall obey 220 

Your hest, for service or array. 

199. damosel. A maiden. [O. Y v. damoisel; Yv. demoiselle ; 
dim. of dame, the mistress of a house; Lat. dornvs.} 

214. In semblance mean obscurely veiled. This like to worth 
unknoicn, in the preceding line, refers to the Lady. 

218. Please you . . . Repose you. May it please you to re- 
pose yourself. P/ease is imperative ; repose is infinitive. 



240 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Permit I marshal you the way.' 

But, ere she followed, with the grace 

And open bounty of her race, 

She bade her slender purse be shared 225 

Among the soldiers of the guard. 

The rest with thanks their guerdon took, 

But Brent, with shy and awkward look, 

On the reluctant maiden's hold 

Forced bluntly back the proffered gold : — 23() 

* Forgive a haughty English heart, 

And 0, forget its ruder part ! 

The vacant purse shall be my share. 

Which in my barret-cap I '11 bear, 

Perchance, in jeopardy of war, 235 

Where gayer crests may keep afar.' 

With thanks — 't was all she could — the maid 

His rugged courtesy repaid. 

XI. 

When Ellen forth with Lewis went, 

Allan made suit to John of Brent : — 240 

' My lady safe, let your grace 

Give me to see my master's face ! 

222. I marshal you the way. A noun clause, object of per- 
mit. You is a " dative of advantage." " Permit that I marshal 
the way for you." 

227. guerdon. Reward, i.e., re-guerdon. [O. Fr. guerre- 
don ; A.-S. loidherleayi.'] 

234. barret-cap. Helmet or battle-cap. [Sc. harrat, conten- 
tion; Ice. barrat, battle.] 

241. My lady safe. An absolute phrase: "My lady being 
safe." 



CANTO SIXTH 241 

His minstrel I, — to share his doom 

Bound from the cradle to the tomb. 

Tenth in descent, since first my sires 245 

Waked for his noble house their lyres, 

Nor one of all the race was known 

But prized its weal above their own. 

With the Chief's birth begins our care; 

Our harp must soothe the infant heir, 250 

Teach the youth tales of fight, and grace 

His earliest feat of field or chase ; 

In peace, in war, our rank we keep, 

We cheer his board, we soothe his sleep, 

Nor leave him till we pour our verse — 255 

A doleful tribute ! — o'er his hearse. 

Then let me share his captive lot ; 

It is my right, — deny it not ! ' 

' Little we reck,' said John of Brent, 

* We Southern men, of long descent; 260 

Nor wot we how a name — a word — 

Makes clansmen vassals to a lord : 

Yet kind my noble landlord's part, — 

God bless the house of Beaudesert ! 

And, but I loved to drive the deer 265 

265. but I loved. Clause of negative condition = " t/ 1 loved 
not." The apodosis or conclusion is, / had not, for "I would 
not have." But (=beout), whether a relative pronoun or a 
conjunction, is always negative, and has a corresponding nega- 
tive in the apodosis. " Leave oat that I loved to chase the deer, 
and I should not have been an outcast here." The adverb but, 
only, is an abbreviation of not-biit = not or nothing but : There 
are :6u^ few.= There are not but few, i.e., leave out that there 
are few, and there are none. 



242 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

More than to guide the laboring steer. 
I had not dwelt an outcast here. 
Come, good old Minstrel, follow me ; 
Thy Lord and Chieftain shalt thou see.' 

XII. 

Then, from a rusted iron hook, 270 

A bunch of ponderous keys he took, 

Lighted a torch, and Allan led 

Through grated arch and passage dread. 

Portals they passed, where, deep within. 

Spoke prisoner's moan and fetters' din ; 275 

Through rugged vaults, where, loosely stored, 

Lay wheel, and axe, and headsman's sword, 

And many a hideous engine grim, 

For wrenching joint and crushing limb. 

By artists formed who deemed it shame 280 

And sin to give their work a name. 

They halted at a low-browed porch. 

And Brent to Allan gave the torch. 

While bolt and chain he backward rolled. 

And made the bar unhasp its hold. 285 

They entered : — 't was a prison-room 

Of stern security and gloom. 

Yet not a dungeon ; for the day 

Through lofty gratings found its way. 

And rude and antique garniture 290 

Decked the sad walls and oaken floor, 

285. unhasp. Unclasp or undo. [Un-, and A.-S, haeps, a 
hasp or buckle.] 



CANTO SIXTH 243 

Such as the rugged days of old 

Deemed fit for captive noble's hold. 

' Here,' said De Brent, ' thou mayst remain 

Till the Leech visit him again. 205 

Strict is his charge, the warders tell, 

To tend the noble prisoner well.' 

Ketiring then the bolt he drew. 

And the lock's murmurs growled anew. 

Eoused at the sound, from lowly bed 300 

A captive feebly raised his head ; 

The wondering Minstrel looked, and knew — 

Not his dear lord, but Roderick Dhu ! 

For, come from where Clan-Alpine fought, 

They, erring, deemed the Chief he sought. r.or) 

XIII. 

As the tall ship, whose lofty prore 

Shall never stem the billows more, 

Deserted by her gallant band. 

Amid the breakers lies astrand, — 

So on his couch lay Roderick Dhu ! 310 

And oft his fevered limbs he threw 

In toss abrupt, as when her sides 

Lie rocking in the advancing tides, 

295. the Leech. The physician or healei*. [A.-S. laece, a 
physician, from lac, laec, a gift; E. leech, the blood-sucking 
worm used in remedies.] 

305, the Chief he sought. That he sought the chieftain. 
Chief is objective, governed by sought. 

306. prore. Prow. [Lat.prora, from pro before.] 
309. astrand, stranded. 

312. her sides. A continuation of the simile of the ship. 



244 THE LAT)Y OF THE LAKE 

That shake her frame with ceaseless beat, 

Yet cannot heave her from her seat ; — 315 

0, how unlike her course at sea ! 

Or his free step on hill and lea ! — 

Soon as the Minstrel he could scan, — 

' What of thy lady ? — of my clan ? — 

My mother ? — Douglas ? — tell me all ! 320 

Have they been ruined in my fall ? 

Ah, yes ! or wherefore art thou here ? 

Yet speak, — speak boldly, — do not fear.' — 

For Allan, who his mood well knew, 

Was choked with grief and terror too. — 325 

< Who fought ? — who fled ? — Old man, be 

brief ; — 
Some might, — for they had lost their Chief. 
Who basely live ? — who bravely died ? ' 
' 0, calm thee. Chief! ' the Minstrel cried, 
' Ellen is safe ! ' ' For that thank Heaven ! ' 330 
' And hopes are for the Douglas given; — 
The Lady Margaret, too, is well ; 
And, for thy clan, — on field or fell, 
Has never harp of minstrel told 
Of combat fought so true and bold. 335 

Thy stately Pine is yet unbent. 
Though many a goodly bough is rent.' 

327. Some might. Some might flee. 

333. for thy clan. As regards, or with reference to, thy 
clan. 



CANTO SIXTH 245 

XIV. 

The Chieftain reared his form on high, 

And fever's fire was in his eye ; 

But ghastly, pale, and livid streaks 340 

Checkered his swarthy brow and cheeks. 

' Hark, Minstrel ! I have heard thee play, 

With measure bold on festal day, 

In yon lone isle, — again where ne'er 

Shall harper play or warrior hear ! — 345 

That stirring air that peals on high. 

O'er Derraid's race our victory. — 

Strike it ! — and then, — for well thou canst, — 

Free from thy minstrel-spirit glanced. 

Fling me the picture of the fight, 3-)f» 

When met my clan the Saxon might. 

I '11 listen, till my fancy hears 

The clang of swords, the crash of spears ! 

These grates, these walls, shall vanish then 

For the fair field of fighting men, 355 

And my free spirit burst away. 

As if it soared from battle fray.' 

The trembling Bard with awe obeyed, — 

Slow on the harp his hand he laid ; 

But soon remembrance of the sight 360 

He witnessed from the mountain's height, 

With what old Bertram told at night, 

349. glanced. Participle, attribute to picture. 

354. shall vanish . . . For the fair field. Shall give place to 
the fair field. " 1 shall fancy myself in the field of battle, and 
die fighting.'" 



240 77/ A' LADY OF fllE LAKK 

Awakened the full power of song, 

And bore him in career along; — 

As shallop launched on river's tide, .%.5 

That slow and fearful leaves the side, 

But, when it feels the middle stream, 

Drives downward swift as lightning's beam. 

XV. 

BATTLE OF BEAl' AN DUINE 

' The minstrel came once more to view 

The eastern ridge of Benvenue, 370 

For ere he parted he would say 

Farewell to lovely Loch Achray — 

Where shall he find, in foreign land, 

So lone a lake, so sweet a strand ! — 

There is no breeze upon the fern, 375 

No ripple on the lake. 
Upon her eyry nods the erne. 

The deer has sought the brake ; 
The small birds will not sing aloud. 

The springing trout lies still, .3X0 

So darkly glooms yon thunder-cloud. 
That swathes, as with a purple shroud, 
Benledi's distant hill. 

365. shallop, a small boat. 

369. Battle of Beal' an Duine. " A skirmish actually took 
place at a pass thus called in the Trosachs, and closed with the 
remarkable incident mentioned in the text. It was greatly- 
posterior in date to the reign of James V." — Scott. 

377. eyry, the nest of a bird that builds in a lofty place, 
erne, eagle. 



CANTO SIXTH 247 

Is it the thunder's solemn sound 

That mutters deep and dread, 385 

Or echoes from the groaning ground 

The warrior's measured tread ? 
Is it the lightning's quivering glance 

That on the thicket streams, 
Or do they flash on spear and lance 390 

The sun's retiring beams ? — 
I see the dagger-crest of Mar, 
I see the Moray's silver star. 
Wave o'er the cloud of Saxon war. 
That up the lake comes winding far ! 395 

To hero boune for battle-strife. 

Or bard of martial lay, 
'T were worth ten years of peaceful life, 
One glance at their array ! 

XVI. 

^ Their light-armed archers far and near 400 

Surveyed the tangled ground. 
Their centre ranks, with pike and spear, 

A twilight forest frowned. 
Their barded horsemen in the rear 

The stern battalia crowned. 405 

No cymbal clashed, no clarion rang. 

Still were the pipe and drum ; 
Save heavy tread, and armor's clang. 

The sullen march was dumb. 

404. barded, armored; used only of horses and horsemen, 

405. battalia, an army in battle array. 



248 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

There breathed no wind their crests to shake, 4io 

Or wave their flags abroad ; 
Scarce the frail aspen seemed to quake, 

That shadowed o'er their road. 
Their vaward scouts no tidings bring, 

Can rouse no lurking foe, 415 

Nor spy a trace of living thing, 

Save when they stirred the roe ; 
The host moves like a deep-sea wave, 
Where rise no rocks its pride to brave. 

High-swelling, dark, and slow. 420 

The lake is passed, and now they gain 
A narrow and a broken plain, 
Before the Trosachs' rugged jaws ; 
And here the horse and spearmen pause. 
While, to explore the dangerous glen, 425 

Dive through the pass the archer-men. 

XVII. 

' At once there rose so wild a yell 
Within that dark and narrow dell. 
As all the fiends from heaven that fell 
Had pealed the banner-cry of hell ! 430 

Forth from the pass in tumult driven. 
Like chaff before the wind of heaven. 

The archery appear : 
For life ! for life ! their flight they ply — 
And shriek, and shout, and battle-cry, 435 

414. vaward = vauward or vanguard, a body of men who 
ride in front of the main body of an army. 



CANTO SIXTH 249 

And plaids and bonnets waving liigh, 
And broadswords flashing to the sky, 

Are maddening in the rear. 
Onward they drive in dreadful race, 

Pursuers and pursued ; 440 

Before that tide of flight and chase. 
How shall it keep its rooted place. 

The spearmen's twilight wood ? — . 
"Down, down," cried Mar, "your lances down I 

Bear back both friend and foe ! " — 445 

Like reeds before the tempest's frown. 
That serried grove of lances brown 

At once lay levelled low ; 
And closely shouldering side to side. 
The bristling ranks the onset bide. — 450 

" We '11 quell the savage mountaineer, 

As their Tinchel cows the game ! 
They come as fleet as forest deer, 

We '11 drive them back as tame." 

XVIII. 

* Bearing before them in their course 455 

The relics of the archer force, 
Like wave with crest of sparkling foam, 
Right onward did Clan-Alpine come. 
Above the tide, each broadsword bright 

447. serried, crowded together. 

452. Tinchel. " A circle of sportsmen, who, by surrounding 
a great space, and gradually narrowing, brought immense quan- 
tities of deer together, which usually made desperate efforts to 
break through the Tinchel.'' — Scott. 



250 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Was brandishing like beam of light, 460 

Each targe was dark below ; 
And with the ocean's mighty swing, 
When heaving to the tempest's wing. 
They hurled them on the foe. 
I heard the lance's shivering crash, 465 

As when the whirlwind rends the ash ; 
I heard the broadsword's deadly clang, 
As if a hundred anvils rang ! 
But Moray wheeled his rearward rank 
Of horsemen on Clan- Alpine's flank, — 470 

" My banner-man, advance ! 
I see," he cried, " their column shake. 
Now, gallants ! for your ladies' sake, 

Upon them with the lance ! " — 
The horsemen dashed among the rout, 475 

As deer break through the broom ; 
Their steeds are stout, their swords are out. 

They soon make lightsome room. 
Clan- Alpine's best are backward borne — 

Where, where was Roderick then ! 480 

One blast upon his bugle-horn 

Were worth a thousand men. 
And refluent through the pass of fear 
The battle's tide was poured ; 
. Vanished the Saxon's struggling spear, 485 

Vanished the mountain-sword. 
As Bracklinn's chasm, so black and steep, 
Receives her roaring linn, 
483. refluent, ebbing. 



CANTO SIXTH 251 

As the dark caverns of the deep 

Suck the wild whirlpool in, 490 

So did the deep and darksome pass 
Devour the battle's mingled mass ; 
None linger now upon the plain, 
Save those who ne'er shall fight again. 

XIX. 

* Now westward rolls the battle's din, 495 

That deep and doubling jjass within. — 
Minstrel, away ! the work of fate 
Is bearing on ; its issue wait, 
Where the rude Trosachs' dread defile 
Opens on Katrine's lake and isle. 500 

Gray Benvenue I soon repassed. 
Loch Katrine lay beneath me cast. 
The sun is set ; — the clouds are met, 

The lowering scowl of heaven 
An inky hue of livid blue 605 

To the deep lake has given ; 
Strange gusts of wind from mountain glen 
Swept o'er the lake, then sunk again. 
I heeded not the eddying surge, 
Mine eye but saw the Trosachs' gorge, 5io 

Mine ear but heard that sullen sound, 
Which like an earthquake shook the ground, 
And spoke the stern and desperate strife 
That parts not but with parting life, 
Seeming, to minstrel ear, to toll 616 

The dirge of many a passing soul. 



252 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Nearer it comes — the dim-wood glen 
The martial flood disgorged again, 

But not in mingled tide ; 
The plaided warriors of the North 520 

High on the mountain thunder forth 

And overhang its side, 
While by the lake below appears 
The darkening cloud of Saxon spears. 
At weary bay each shattered band, 525 

Eying their f oemen, sternly stand ; 
Their banners stream like tattered sail, 
That flings its fragments to the gale, 
And broken arms and disarray 
Marked the fell havoc of the day. 530 

XX. 

* Viewing the mountain's ridge askance, 
The Saxons stood in sullen trance, 
Till Moray pointed with his lance, 

And cried : *' Behold yon isle ! — 
See ! none are left to guard its strand 535 

But women weak, that wring the hand : 
'T is there of yore the robber band 

Their booty wont to pile ; — 
My purse, with bonnet-pieces store, 
To him will swim a bow-shot o'er, 640 

And loose a shallop from the shore. 



^533. wont, were accustomed. 

539. bonnet-pieces, gold coins on which the king's head bore 
bonnet instead of the usual crown. 



CANTO SIXTH 253 

Lightly we '11 tame the war-wolf then, 

Lords of his mate, and brood, and den." 

Forth from the ranks a spearman sprung, 

On earth his casque and corselet rung, 545 

He plunged him in the wave : — 
All saw the deed, — the purpose knew, 
And to their clamors Benvenue 

A mingled echo gave ; 
The SaxoDs shout, their mate to cheer, 550 

The helpless females scream for fear. 
And yells for rage the mountaineer. 
'T was then, as by the outcry riven. 
Poured down at once the lowering heaven : 
A whirlwind swept Loch Katrine's breast, 555 
Her billows reared their snowy crest. 
Well for the swimmer swelled they high. 
To mar the Highland marksman's eye ; 
For round him showered, mid rain and hail. 
The vengeful arrows of the Gael. 560 

In vain. — He nears the isle — and lo ! 
His hand is on a shallop's bow. 
Just then a flash of lightning came. 
It tinged the waves and strand with flame ; 
I marked Duncraggan's widowed dame, 565 

Behind an oak I saw her stand, 
A naked dirk gleamed in her hand : — 
It darkened, — but amid the moan 
Of waves I heard a dying groan ; — 
Another flash ! — the spearman floats 570 

5i5. casque and corsel«t, helmet and body armor. - • 



254 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

A weltering corse beside the boats, 
And the stern matron o'er him stood, 
Her hand and dagger streaming blood. 

XXI. 

* " Revenge ! revenge ! " the Saxons cried, 

The Gaels' exulting shout replied. 575 

Despite the elemental rage, 

Again they hurried to engage ; 

But, ere they closed in desperate fight, 

Bloody with spurring came a knight, 

Sprung from his horse, and from a crag 580 

Waved 'twixt the hosts a milk-white flag. 

Clarion and trumpet by his side 

Rung forth a truce-note high and wide, 

While, in the Monarch's name, afar 

A herald's voice forbade the war, 585 

For Bothwell's lord and Roderick bold — 

Were both, he said, in captive hold.' — 

But here the lay made sudden stand. 

The harp escaped the Minstrel's hand ! 

Oft had he stolen a glance, to spy 590 

How Roderick brooked his minstrelsy : 

At first, the Chieftain, to the chime. 

With lifted hand kept feeble time ; 

That motion ceased, — yet feeling strong 

Varied his look as changed the song ; 595 

At length, no more his deafened ear 

The minstrel melody can hear ; 

His face grows sharp, — his hands are clenched, 



CANTO SIXTH 255 

As if some pang his heart-strings wrenched ; 

Set are his teeth, his fading eye 6(K) 

Is sternly fixed on vacancy ; 

Thus, motionless and moanless, drew 

His parting breath stout Roderick Dhu ! — 

Old Allan-bane looked on aghast, 

While grim and still his spirit passed ; 605 

But when he saw that life was fled, 

He poured his wailing o'er the dead. 

XXII. 
LAMENT 

* And art thou cold and lowly laid, 

Thy foeman's dread, thy people's aid, 

Breadalbane's boast. Clan- Alpine's shade ! 610 

For thee shall none a requiem say ? — 

For thee, who loved the minstrel's lay, 

For thee, of Bothwell's house the stay. 

The shelter of her exile line, 

E'en in this prison-house of thine, 615 

I '11 wail for Alpine's honored Pine ! 

602. Thus. "Rob Roy, while on his deathbed, learned that 
a person with whom he was at enmity proposed to visit him. 
'Raise me from my bed,' said the invalid; 'throw my plaid 
aronnd me, and bring me my claymore, dirk, and pistols,— it 
shall never be said that a foeman saw Rob Roy MacGregor 
defenseless and unarmed.' His foeman entered and paid his 
compliments, inquiring after the health of his formidable neigh- 
bor. Rob Roy maintained a cold, haughty civility during their 
short conference, and so soon as he had left the house, ' Now,' he 
said, ' all is over — let the piper play We Retur?i No 3fore,' and he 
is said to have expired before the dirge was finished." — Scott. 

610. Breadalbane. See Canto II. 1. 416. 



256 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

* What groans shall yonder valleys fill ! 
What shrieks of grief shall rend yon hill ! 
What tears of burning rage shall thrill, 
When mourns thy tribe thy battles done, 020 
Thy fall before the race was won, 

Thy sword ungirt ere set of sun ! 

There breathes not clansman of thy line, 

But would have given his life for thine. 

0, woe for Alpine's honored Pine ! 625 

* Sad was thy lot on mortal stage ! — 
The captive thrush may brook the cage. 
The prisoned eagle dies for rage. 
Brave spirit, do not scorn my strain ! 

And, when its notes awake again, 630 

Even she, so long beloved in vain, 
Shall with my harp her voice combine. 
And mix her woe and tears with mine. 
To wail Clan- Alpine's honored Pine.' 

XXIII, 

Ellen the while, with bursting heart, 635 

Eemained in lordly bower apart, 

W^here played, with many-colored gleams, 

Through storied pane the rising beams. 

In vain on gilded roof they fall, 

And lightened up a tapestried wall, 640 

631. Even she. See Canto II. 11. 748-754. 
638. storied pane, windows painted with historical scenes 
Cf. Milton's It Penseroso : 

" Storied windows richly digrht." 



(J AN TO SIXTH 257 

Aiad for her use a menial train 

A rich collation spread in vain. 

The banquet proud, the chamber gay, 

Scarce drew one curious glance astray ; 

Or if she looked, 't was but to say, M'l 

With better omen dawned the day 

In that lone isle, where waved on high 

The dun-deer's hide for canopy ; 

Where oft her noble father shared 

The simple meal her care prepared, 650 

While Lufra, crouching by her side. 

Her station claimed with jealous pride, 

And Douglas, bent on woodland game. 

Spoke of the chase to Malcolm Graeme, 

Whose answer, oft at random made, 655 

The wandering of his thoughts betrayed. 

Those who such simple joys have known 

Are taught to prize them when they 're gone. 

But sudden, see, she lifts her head. 

The window seeks with cautious tread. 660 

What distant music has the power 

To win her in this woful hour ? 

'T was from a turret that o'erhung 

Her latticed bower, the strain was sung. 

XXIV. 
LAY OP THE IMPRISONED HUNTSMAN 

* My hawk is tired of perch and hood, 666 

My idle greyhound loathes his food, 
My horse is weary of his stall, 



258 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

And I am sick of captive thrall.. 

I wish I were as I have been, 

Hunting the hart in forest green, 670 

With bended bow and bloodhound free, 

For that 's the life is meet for me. 

' I hate to learn the ebb of time 

From yon dull steeple's drowsy chime, 

Or mark it as the sunbeams crawl, • 675 

Inch after inch, along the wall. 

The lark was wont my matins ring. 

The sable rook my vespers sing ; 

These towers, although a king's they be. 

Have not a hall of joy for me. 680 

* No more at dawning morn I rise. 
And sun myself in Ellen's eyes. 
Drive the fleet deer the forest through, 
And homeward wend with evening dew; 
A blithesome welcome blithely meet, 685 

And lay my trophies at her feet. 
While fled the eve on wing of glee, — 
That life is lost to love and me ! ^ 



XXV. 

The heart-sick lay was hardly said, 
The listener had not turned her head, ' 
It trickled still, the starting tear. 
When light a footstep struck her ear, 
And Snowdoun's graceful Knight was near. 



CANTO SIXTH 259 

She turned the hastier, lest again 

The prisoner should renew his strain. 695 

* welcome, brave Fitz- James ! ' she said ; 

* How may an almost orphan maid 
Pay the deep debt — ' ^ say not so ! 
To me no gratitude you owe. 

Not mine, alas ! the boon to give, 700 

And bid thy noble father live ; 

I can but be thy guide, sweet maid. 

With Scotland's King thy suit to aid. 

No tyrant he, though ire and pride 

May lay his better mood aside. 705 

Come, Ellen, come ! 't is more than time, 

He holds his court at morning prime.' 

With beating heart, and bosom wrung. 

As to a brother's arm she clung. 

Gently he dried the falling tear, 7io 

And gently whispered hope and cheer ; 

Her faltering steps half led, half staid, 

Through gallery fair and high arcade. 

Till at his touch its wings of pride 

A portal arch unfolded wide. 715 

697. an almost orphan. Because she is uncertain of her 
father's fate. Observe the use of almost as an attribute to 
orphan, which is here used as an adjective. 

702. I can but be thy guide. I can be nothing except thy 
guide. See supra, note 1. 265. 

707. at morning prime, at earliest morning. But prime is 
here a noun, and morning an adjective. 

709. As to a brother's arm. Adverbial clause of manner to 
clung : " she clung as she would cling to a brother's arm." 



260 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

XXVI. 

Within ^t was brilliant all and light, 

A thronging scene of figures bright j 

It glowed on Ellen's dazzled sight, 

As when the setting sun has given 

Ten thousand hues to summer even, 720 

And from their tissue fancy frames 

Aerial knights and fairy dames. 

Still by Fitz- James her footing staid; 

A few faint steps she forward made, 

Then slow her drooping head she raised, 725 

And fearful round the presence gazed 5 

For him she sought who owned this state, 

The dreaded Prince whose will was fate ! — 

She gazed on many a princely port 

Might well have ruled a royal court ; 730 

On many a splendid garb she gazed, — 

Then turned bewildered and amazed. 

For all stood bare ; and in the room 

Fitz-James alone wore cap and plume. 

To him each lady's look was lent, 735 

On him each courtier's eye was bent ; 

719. As when, " as it glows when." It glows, here, like it 
was brilliant, and it gloioed, above, is the impersonal (more 
correctly unipersonal) construction ; and it is an indefinite pro- 
noun, referring not to any special subject, but to the action of 
the verb : it glowed = glowing went on. 

723. by . . . staid, beside . . . remained. Observe that 
staid is here intransitive, to remain: in 1. 712 it is transitive, to 
make to stand, to support. 

729. port, bearing, carriage. 

730. Might. Supply tohich as subject of might. 



CANTO SIXTH 261 

Midst furs and silks and jewels sheen, 

He stood, in simple Lincoln green, 

The centre of the glittering ring, — 

And Snowdoun's Knight is Scotland's King ! 740 

XXVII. 

As wreath of snow on mountain-breast 
Slides from the rock that gave it rest, 
Poor Ellen glided from her stay, 
ind at the Monarch's feet she lay ; 
No word her choking voice commands, — 745 

She showed the ring, — she clasped her hands. 
0, not a moment could he brook, 
The generous Prince, that suppliant look ! 
Gently he raised her, — and, the while, 
Checked with a glance the circle's smile ; 750 

Graceful, but grave, her brow he kissed, 
And bade her terrors be dismissed : — 
' Yes, fair ; the wandering poor Fitz- James 
The fealty of Scotland claims. 
To him thy woes, thy wishes, bring ; 755 

He will redeem his signet ring. 

737. sheen. An adjective. See Canto V. 1. 10. 

740. Snowdoun's Knight is Scotland's King. " James V. was 
a monarch whose good and benevolent intentions often rendered 
his romantic freaks venial, if not respectable, since, from his 
anxious attention to the interests of the lower and most op- 
pressed class of his subjects, he was, as we have seen, popularly 
termed the King of the Commons. For the purpose of seeing 
that justice was regularly administered he used to traverse the 
vicinage of his several palaces in various disguises." — Scof^ 

741. wreath of snow, a snowdrift. See Canto IV. 1. 794. 



262 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Ask naught for Douglas ; — yester even, 
His Prince and he have much forgiven ; 
Wrong hath he had from slanderous tongue, 
I, from his rebel kinsmen, wrong. 700 

We would not, to the vulgar crowd, 
Yield what they craved with clamor loud ; 
Calmly we heard and judged his cause, 
Our council aided and our laws. 
I stanched thy father's death-feud stern 7(J.-) 
With stout De Vaux and gray Glencairn ; 
And Bothwell's Lord henceforth we own 
The friend and bulwark of our throne. — 
But, lovely infidel, how now ? 
What clouds thy misbelieving brow ? 770 

Lord James of Douglas, lend tliine aid; 
Thou must confirm this doubting maid.' 

XXVIII. 

Then forth the noble Douglas sprung, 

And on his neck his daughter hung. 

The Monarch drank, that happy hour, 775 

The sweetest, holiest draught of Power, — 

When it can say with godlike voice, 

Arise, sad Virtue, and rejoice ! 

Yet would not James the general eye 

On nature's raptures long should pry ; 780 

He stepped between — ^Nay, Douglas, nay, 

Steal not my proselyte away ! 

782. proselyte, one who is converted. Cf. infidel, 1. 769 
above. 



CANTO SIXTH 263 

The riddle 't is my right to read, 
That brought this happy chance to speed. 
Yes, Ellen, when disguised I stray 785 

In life's more low but happier way, 
'T is under name which veils my power, 
Nor falsely veils, — for Stirling's tower 
Of yore the name of Snowdoun claims, 
. And Normans call me James Fitz-James. 790 
Thus watch I o'er insulted laws. 
Thus learn to right the injured cause.' 
Then, in a tone apart and low, — 
' Ah, little traitress ! none must know 
AVhat idle dream, what lighter thought, 795 
What vanity full dearly bought. 
Joined to thine eye's dark witchcraft, drew 
My spell-bound steps to Ben venue 
In dangerous hour, and all but gave 
Thy Monarch's life to mountain glaive ! ' 800 
Aloud he spoke : ^ Thou still dost hold 
That little talisman of gold, 

784. to speed, to success, to a successful issue. 

785. when disguised I stray. The name which James gen- 
erally assumed in these wanderings was the Gude-man (or 
"farmer") of Ballangiech. Scott says the two excellent 
comic songs, entitled The Gaberlunzle Man and We HI gae 
nae mail' a rovin', are said to have been founded on the suc- 
cess of King James's adventures when traveling in the disguise 
of a beggar. "The latter," Scott adds, "is perhaps the best 

*comic ballad in any language." 

789. the name of Snowdoun. "William of Worcester, who 
wrote about the middle of the fifteenth century, calls Stirling 
Castle ' Snowdoun.' Sir David Lindsay bestows the same epi- 
thet upon it." 



264 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

Pledge of my faith, Fitz- James's ring, — 
What seeks fair Ellen of the King ? ' 

XXIX. 

Full well the conscious maiden guessed 805 

He probed the weakness of her breast ; 

But with that consciousness there came 

A lightening of her fears from Grseme, 

And more she deemed the Monarch's ire 

Kindled 'gainst him who for her sire 810 

Kebellious broadsword boldly drew ; 

And, to her generous feeling true, 

She craved the grace of Roderick Dhu. 

^ Forbear thy suit ; — the King of kings 

Alone can stay life's parting wings. 815 

I know his heart, I know his hand. 

Have shared his cheer, and proved his brand ; — 

My fairest earldom would I give 

To bid Clan- Alpine's Cliieftain live ! — 

Hast thou no other boon to crave ? 820 

No other captive friend to save ? ' 

Blushing, she turned her from the King, 

And to the Douglas gave the ring, 

As if she wished her sire to speak 

The suit that stained her glowing cheek. 825 

' Nay, then, my pledge has lost its force, 

808. lightening, relieving, or making ligliter. 

813. .grace, pardon ; generally attributed to him who grants, 
not, as here, to hira who receives it. The grace of Roderick 
Dhu means "the grace, or pardon, of the King for Roderick 
Dhu." 



CANTO SIXTH 265 

And stubborn justice holds her course, 

Malcolm, come forth ! ' — and, at the word, 

Down kneeled the Graeme to Scotland's Lord. 

' For thee, rash youth, no suppliant sues, 8r>0 

From thee may Vengeance claim her dues, 

Who, nurtured underneath our smile. 

Hast paid our care by treacherous wile, 

And sought amid thy faithful clan 

A refuge for an outlawed man, 835 

Dishonoring thus thy loyal name. — 

Fetters and warder for the Graeme ! ' 

His chain of gold the King unstrung, 

The links o'er Malcolm's neck he flung. 

Then gently drew the glittering band, 840 

And laid the clasp on Ellen's hand. 



Harp of the North, farewell ! The hills grow dark, 
On purple peaks a deeper shade descending ; 

In twilight copse the glow-worm lights her spark. 
The deer, half seen, are to the covert wending. 845 
Kesume thy wizard elm ! the fountain lending, 

And the wild breeze, thy wilder minstrelsy ; 
Thy numbers sweet with nature's vespers blend- 
ing, 

With distant echo from the fold and lea, 

And herd-boy's evening pipe, and hum of housing 
bee. 850 

Yet once again, farewell, thou Minstrel Harp ! 
Yet, once again, forgive my feeble sway, 



266 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 

And little reck I of the censure sharp 
May idly cavil at an idle lay. 
Much have T owed thy strains on life's long 



way 



855 



Through secret woes the world has never known, 
When on the weary night dawned wearier day, 
And bitterer was the grief devoured alone. — 
That I o'erlive such woes, Enchantress ! is thine 
own. 

Hark ! as my lingering footsteps slow retire, 860 

Some Spirit of the Air has waked thy string ! 
'T is now a seraph bold, with touch of lire, 

'T is now the brush of Fairy's frolic wing. 

Receding now, the dying numbers ring 
Fainter and fainter down the rugged dell ; mo 

And now the mountain breezes scarcely bring 
A wandering witch-note of the distant spell — 
And now, 't is silent all ! — Enchantress, fare thee 
well! 

854. cavil, to make captious objection. 
859. o'erlive, outlive. 



268 THE LADY OF THE LAKE 



The following song is omitted from Canto VI., 
following 1. 89 : 



SOLDIER'S SONG 

Our vicar still preaches that Peter and Poule 90 

Laid a swinging long curse on the bonny brown bowl, 

That there 's wrath and despair in the jolly black-jack. 

And the seven deadly sins in a flagon of sack ; 

Yet whoop, Barnaby ! off with thy liquor. 

Drink upsees out, and a fig for the vicar ! 95 

Our vicar he calls it damnation to sip 
The ripe ruddy dew of a woman's dear lip, 
Says that Beelzebub lurks in her kerchief so sly, 
And Apollyon shoots darts from her merry black eye ; 
Yet whoop, Jack ! kiss Gillian the quicker, lOO 

Till she bloom like a rose, and a fig for the vicar ! 

Our vicar thus preaches, — and why should he not ? 

For the dues of his cure are the placket and pot ; 

And 't is right of his office poor laymen to lurch 

Who infringe the domains of our good Mother Church. 105 

Yet whoop, bully-boys ! off with your liquor, 

Sweet Marjorie 's the word, and a fig for the vicar ! 



SEP 2 1903 



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